Arsenal Eye Bundesliga Striker Nelson Weiper Amid Gyokeres Transfer Delays

Arsenal Consider Nelson Weiper as Gyokeres Deal Hits Snag

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Mainz 05 striker Nelson Weiper as the Gunners face complications in finalizing the transfer of Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. The potential move for Weiper comes as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Weiper Emerges as a Potential Alternative Striking Option

Reports indicate that Arsenal are actively considering a move for Nelson Weiper, with the transfer dependent on the progress and outcome of the Viktor Gyokeres deal. The Gunners view the young German striker as either an alternative or an additional option to strengthen their forward line. News of Arsenal's interest in Weiper emerged on July 19, 2025, highlighting the club's proactive approach in addressing their striking needs.

Gyokeres Transfer Stalls Over Bonus Payment Disagreements

The pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has encountered significant roadblocks, primarily due to disagreements over bonus payments between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon. These complications have caused delays in finalizing the transfer, which was initially expected to be completed swiftly. The hold-up in the Gyokeres deal has prompted Arsenal to explore alternative options, leading to their interest in Nelson Weiper.

Timeline of the Gyokeres Deal

Earlier in July, Viktor Gyokeres's medical was reportedly scheduled for the week of July 15th, with plans to integrate him into the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia. However, the deal has since stalled due to ongoing negotiations. The initial optimism surrounding Gyokeres's arrival has waned as the two clubs struggle to reach an agreement on the financial terms of the transfer.

Arteta's Pre-Season Integration Plans

Arsenal are scheduled to play AC Milan in their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Manager Mikel Arteta had hoped to integrate new signings into the squad by this date to prepare for the upcoming season. The delay in securing Gyokeres has disrupted these plans, leading to the consideration of Weiper as a viable alternative.

Weiper's Profile: A Tall, Promising Striker

Nelson Weiper, either 19 or 20 years old depending on the source, is a German striker currently playing for Bundesliga club Mainz 05. Standing at 6ft 3in, Weiper fits Arteta's preference for a physical presence in the forward line. His height and build offer a different dimension to Arsenal's attacking options.

Gyokeres's Agreed Transfer Fee

The deal in principle for Viktor Gyokeres involves a reported initial fee of €63.5 million, with an additional €10 million in add-ons. This substantial investment underscores Arsenal's intent to secure a proven goal scorer. However, the disagreements over bonus payments have prevented the transfer from being finalized.

Mainz 05's Valuation of Weiper

Mainz 05 reportedly value Nelson Weiper at just over £12 million (approximately €14 million). This relatively modest valuation could make Weiper an attractive and more straightforward target for Arsenal, especially given the complications surrounding the Gyokeres deal.

Weiper's Performance Statistics

Last season, Nelson Weiper scored three goals and provided two assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances, starting seven times for Mainz 05. He recorded a top speed of 34.75 km/h. His youth statistics are particularly impressive, with 22 goals in 19 games for Mainz's U19s and four goals and one assist in 474 minutes for Germany's U21s, indicating his potential for future development.

Concerns Over Gyokeres's Preparation

The continuous delays in the Gyokeres transfer have reportedly caused "emotional distraught" for his father, highlighting the personal toll of the protracted negotiations. There are also concerns that the delay could disrupt Gyokeres's preparation for the 2025-26 season. These factors add pressure on Arsenal to resolve the situation quickly or pursue alternative targets.

Weiper's Potential Playing Time at Arsenal

A debate has emerged regarding whether Weiper would receive sufficient playing time at Arsenal, especially if Gyokeres also joins the club. With current number nine Kai Havertz potentially being benched, there are questions about how Arteta would balance the squad and ensure adequate opportunities for all players. Some argue that Weiper might be better off remaining at Mainz to secure regular first-team football and continue his development.

Risk Assessment of Signing Weiper

Given the pressure on Mikel Arteta to deliver major silverware, signing a relatively inexperienced forward like Weiper is viewed as a potential risk. While Weiper shows promise, his lack of extensive top-flight experience could be a concern for a club aiming to compete for major honors. The decision to pursue Weiper reflects Arsenal's willingness to balance potential with immediate impact as they navigate the complexities of the transfer market.