Arsenal are set to face greater competition for Viktor Gyokeres as reports from Portugal indicate that Liverpool are interested in the Sporting CP star. The 27-year-old faces an uncertain future at the Portuguese giants with a host of clubs vying for his signature.
The Gunners are suggested to be the Premier League club that the striker favours most – having turned down a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United in the process. However, the saga surrounding the Sweden international has reportedly taken a fresh negative turn with reports suggesting that he could fail to return for pre-season training.
The dispute is seemingly becoming bitter – judging by reports in Portugal – with Gyokeres reportedly left angered by the betrayal of their ‘pact’ which would allow him to leave for €70million (£59m).
However on Wednesday, in a report from Corrieo de Manha, Liverpool could turn their attention to Gyokeres as a replacement for Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguay star future appears to lie away from Anfield – after a difficult three years on Merseyside. Despite a key contribution in their Premier League-winning campaign, after a late double at Brentford, he managed just five goals in 30 appearances.
Doubts have been cast around his future, with Al-Nassr registering an interest in January, which was rebuffed, but with Napoli looking to acquire his signature, reports in Portugal reckon the Reds are interested in Liga Portugal hot-shot Gyokeres.
It has been suggested that Liverpool have been ‘scouting’ Gyokeres for a long period of time, but only in the last couple of days has the club instructed their representative to chase a possible deal.
In turn, it poses a difficult situation for Arsenal who are said to be stuck on deciding which attacking approach to take – whether they push for Gyokeres or move for highly-rated RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
However, negotiations with Sesko are understood to have stalled in recent weeks, with excessive wage demands reportedly providing a sticking point between representatives of the north London club and the respective parties.
Sporting are facing a crisis with the Swede reportedly mulling over refusing to return for their pre-season, as the Portuguese giants look to successfully defend their Liga Portugal, and domestic cup, following a double last term.
Gyokeres is reportedly furious with the handling of the ongoing saga and Juventus are among those rumoured to be interested.
But should Arsenal remain hesitant in the pursuit of the Sweden international, Liverpool could be ready to pounce should the reports in Portugal be believed.
In a market with few standout options, Gyokeres is among the highest rated, with the Anfield club also linked with Alexander Isak, who might cost a pretty penny from Newcastle.
Sporting head coach, Rui Borges, has previously explained why it’s no surprise to see his star forward touted with a lucrative move.
“Viktor is a player.. I think there are no words; it’s unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years,” he said.
“He’s 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’s truly exceptional. I have said this before, and I will continue to say it; he brings a lot to the team and his teammates 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.
“He’s the best in the league, clearly. There are no adjectives to describe Viktor.
“He’s 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 teammates. He’s a focused player, who pays attention to details and he’s competitive, never lets his guard down, and he doesn’t want to rest. Maybe today he could rest.
“It’s a young team, and he – as an athlete, player and teammate -, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”
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