Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly aiming to secure Sporting Lisbon’s star striker Viktor Gyokeres for a fee around £60 million during the ongoing summer transfer window, according to the Sun. However, the Portuguese club is firm on their stance, insisting on meeting the Swedish international’s £85 million release clause.
Gyokeres, 26, had an exceptional 2023-24 season, netting 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 matches across all competitions. His stellar performance was instrumental in Sporting’s Primeira Liga triumph, where he also emerged as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on enhancing his attacking options ahead of the upcoming season’s title challenge, and Gyokeres could be a perfect fit for the Gunners’ plans.
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Initially, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was Arsenal’s primary target, with a willingness to trigger his £55 million release clause. However, Sesko’s recent contract extension with the Bundesliga club has forced Arsenal to seek alternatives.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Having scouted Gyokeres multiple times over the past year, Arsenal believe his skill set would significantly boost their attacking prowess. Despite this, the hefty £85 million price tag set by Sporting Lisbon remains a potential hurdle, as the North London club is reluctant to meet this valuation for the former Coventry City forward.
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In a recent interview with A Bola, Gyokeres hinted at the uncertainty surrounding his future, stating, “Stay next season? It’s football, it’s normal, I can’t promise anything. I really like being here, but in football everything happens very fast and we have to adapt. I can’t make so many predictions, it’s difficult, there are still games this season, then we’ll see.”
Sporting Lisbon are looking to raise funds this summer but prefers to do so by selling other players, including defenders Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio, both linked with Arsenal. Diomande is valued at approximately £50 million, while Inacio has a £52 million release clause. Nonetheless, Arsenal’s priority remains bolstering their attack, and they hope Sporting will reconsider their demands for Gyokeres.
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