Arsenal's Gyokeres transfer bid suffers huge setback as champions join chase

Viktor Gyokeres is set to be one of the most sought-after players in football this summer as Arsenal and Manchester United chase his signature, but now Napoli have joined the race to sign the Swedish hitman

Italian champions Napoli are ready to battle it out with Arsenal for Sporting Lisbon’s £67million-rated striker Viktor Gyokeres. Coach Antonio Conte has told the club to make a move for the 26-year-old former Brighton, Swansea and Coventry forward, who has transformed himself into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorer.

Conte is in a position of strength after leading Napoli to the serie A title and then turning down an approach from Juventus for his services. He wants Gyokeres to lead his attack in the Champions League next season.

Napoli could now take advantage of Arsenal’s indecision on whether to pursue the Swedish International or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners are finally ready to arm manager Mikel Arteta with a proven goalscorer after finishing second in the Premier League for three seasons in succession.

And with reports that the London club are leaning towards Slovakian forward Sesko, that has opened up a window of opportunity for others when it comes to Gyokeres.

Sporting made it clear this week that they will not accept anything less than their £67million valuation for a player who scored an incredible 57 goals in 49 games this season for club and country.

Conte already has Romelu Lukaku as a quality forward option in Naples. The former Chelsea star netted 14 times in the Italian top flight and was their top scorer, but the Belgian needs more competition up front.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is also a huge admirer of Gyokeres after working with him in Portugal.

United would need to sell players first to come up with the cash - which is why the £100million interest from the Saudi Pro League in Bruno Fernandes has caused such a stir at Old Trafford.

United legend has already urged his old club to take the money if they receive a bid in that region, knowing it could help the Red Devils add a few more signings amid their financial restrictions.

The club are desperate for more forward options after watching Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund score seven Premier League goals between them this season.

United were hoping to lure Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to Old Trafford this summer, but he has snubbed them in favour of joining Chelsea.