The summer transfer saga surrounding Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken another twist, with Arsenal reportedly stepping up their pursuit of the Sweden international.
After registering a staggering 54 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season, the 27-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. A number of top clubs across the continent, as well as teams in Saudi Arabia, have been linked with a move in recent weeks.
According to a new report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, Gyokeres’ representatives are currently in London for meetings, with Arsenal rumoured to be preparing a formal offer. The striker is believed to prefer a move to the Premier League, with the Emirates Stadium viewed as a favoured destination.
Arsenal’s need for a striker this summer is well known, following struggles in front of goal last season due to long-term injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Gyokeres has been consistently linked in the media, although recent reports in Germany had suggested the Gunners were instead preparing to firm up interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is five years younger than Gyokeres.
However, A Bola notes that Arsenal are not alone in the race. Manchester United and Juventus are also said to be monitoring the situation closely. While interest from Saudi Arabia remains, a move to the Gulf state appears unlikely given Gyokeres’ stated ambition to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.
Complicating the picture is growing controversy around the expected transfer fee. Portuguese outlet Record claims Sporting have now raised their demands, despite reportedly reaching a prior agreement to let the striker leave for a lower figure this summer in exchange for staying on another season.
The anticipated fee this summer was £50m plus £8.4m in potential add-ons, but it has now been claimed Sporting will seek in the region of £67m. The £10m increase is said to have infuriated Gyokeres, who recently removed all mentions of Sporting from his social media accounts.
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