Arsenal get major Viktor Gyokeres transfer boost as Sporting 'find replacement'

Sporting Lisbon are loathed to lose Viktor Gyokeres but they have identified a replacement striker, which could finally open the door for the Swede to join Arsenal

Sporting Lisbon appear to be planning for life after Viktor Gyokeres as the Portuguese champions eye up Almeria's Luis Javier Suarez as their prime target to replace the Swede, who is on Arsenal's radar.

Gyokeres scored more than 50 times last term as his side claimed the title which has left a number of clubs pursuing a blockbuster summer deal. Arsenal and Manchester United are the two Premier League sides heavily linked with his signature.

Sporting have tried to resist losing their star man but Gyokeres has made it clear he wants to seek pastures new.

And according to reports in Europe, they have now identified Suarez as their top choice to replace Gyokeres at the top end of the pitch for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.

The Portuguese side have excelled when it comes to unlocking talent with a number of their signings later moving on for huge profits. Suarez, who has been capped by Colombian, currently plays in the second tier of Spanish football but scored 31 times last term.

It's been reported that Sporting were willing to sell Gyokeres for around £65million, which is less than his release clause. The player has clashed with club bosses over them apparently demanding more than previously agreed, which has complicated his exit.

Their club president, Frederico Varandas, claims there was no gentleman's agreement over his exit, insisting: "I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that. To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres - neither today nor last season."

Arsenal's priority this summer is to sign a striker and they've made Benjamin Sesko their top target. The Slovenian has impressed at RB Leipzig but his wage demands are complicating negotiations and the Gunners could yet pivot to Gyokeres.

The Swede has played in England previously. He spent time at Brighton, Swansea and Coventry. It was his performances with the Sky Blues in the Championship that first caught the attention of Ruben Amorim when he was in charge of Sporting, where he's been a huge success.

Gyokeres' connection with Amorim has led to talk of a move to Manchester United, who are looking to add more firepower. Their lack of Champions League football could prove an issue as the striker considers his options over the coming weeks, with Arsenal his preferred destination.