Arsenal get Gyokeres message loud and clear as Sporting boss speaks out

Viktor Gyokeres has been in lethal form for Sporting CP, with the Swedish striker finding the net 86 times in 93 games across all competitions since joining the club

Swedish goal machine Viktor Gyokeres has been lauded by Sporting CP boss Rui Borges ahead of a transfer battle set to include Arsenal. Borges went so far as to hail the former Coventry City sensation - who has an outstanding record of 86 goals in just 93 appearances - as the best Portugal will likely see for some time.

Arsenal are still hunting for a world-class No. 9 after neither summer nor January transfer windows fulfilled their needs. And with injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta could see Gyokeres as the answer to their title prayers.

Borges, 43, didn't hold back in his praise following Sporting's recent cup triumph over Rio Ave. Gyokeres was on the score sheet yet again in the first leg of their semi-final clash, which led his manager to confess just how prized the player is in Lisbon.

"He is the best in the league, clearly," he told reporters, via football.london. "There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team. He has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play.

"He passes it on to his team-mates. Today the team responded great, we played a game with great quality, always connected. That's what I asked for, and that's what they did."

While Arteta's side could greatly benefit from Gyokeres' prolific prowess, Sporting's admiration suggests it will take a hefty bid to snatch the star striker away from Portugal. And the Lions are sure to have no shortage of clubs taking up interest in their talisman.

"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest," Borges continued. "Maybe today he could rest. It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and team-mate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."

Those comments by Borges suggest Arsenal could be getting their hands on a real gem if they're ready to open their wallets for this much-admired striker. It's been suggested Gunners chiefs have kicked off negotiations over personal terms with the Stockholm-born forward.

Speculation suggests a meeting is on the cards between Andrea Berta, the club's newly appointed sporting director, and the player’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya. Any move isn't going to come cheap, though.

It's been suggested there's a handshake agreement with Sporting which might allow Gyokeres to more for between £58.6million to £62.8m, provided he fancies the move - a revelation Borges seemed to confirm. That's after he went on to admit it's likely only a matter of time before the player leaves.

"Viktor is a player... I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years," he said. "He is clearly above average.

"Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.

"I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his team-mates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.

"The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal."