Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought after forwards in world football, with the lure of Champions League football giving Arsenal an edge in the race
Viktor Gyokeres fancies a move to Arsenal if he gets the pick of his clubs this summer. Arsenal are one of a number of top clubs targeting the Sporting Lisbon forward with Manchester United among others looking at the 27-year-old.
But Sporting believe that Gyokeres prefers Arsenal and the Premier League over interest from Spain and Italy. Arsenal can also offer Champions League football which is something that United cannot boast for any potential transfer targets this summer.
Sporting are ready to sell the Sweden international who hit 95 goals in 100 appearances for the Portuguese club who will allow him to leave if a club comes in with just over £60m this summer. Gyokeres knows English football from his time at Brighton and Coventry but he really made his name in Portugal but is ready for a new challenge.
Gyokeres himself has been tight-lipped on his plans. Asked about his future after Sporting’s final game of the season, he said: “Let's see. It’s hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what’s going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible.”
Arsenal are looking for a new No9 this summer but are not decided on their top target with sporting director Andrea Berta having spoken to a number of agents, targets and clubs ahead of what will be a huge window for the club.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of Newcastle ’s Alexander Isak but the Toon Army will not allow him to leave. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on their wish list with reports in Spain also suggesting Berta may go back to Atletico for former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal also have to balance the spending to make sure they can achieve all of their targets this summer so the cost will come into it. They remain confident on landing Real Zaragoza midfielder Martin Zubimendi who has a £51m release clause.
The Gunners also want a left winger and have an extensive list which includes Leroy Sane whose contract at Bayern Munich has expired and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
Berta has held extensive talks with a variety of different clubs and agents and Real Madrid ’s Rodrygo has been heavily linked but his price would impact heavily on any other business.