The Gunners ramped up their interest in Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and are targeting a deal for him this summer. The Swedish forward scored 53 goals this season, and the club views him as a priority, to help boost Mikel Arteta’s attack. Here’s the latest on the potential blockbuster transfer.
With the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director, Gunners are putting in place plans to sign Gyokeres. Arsenal feels his signing will be transformational, it fills their biggest need for a clinical striker. Talk’s are making good progress with reports that a £58.9 million deal between Arsenal and Sporting is very close. This amount is below the €100 million release clause because of a gentleman’s agreement in place before the summer transfer issue started.
Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal transfer stance confirmed as Andrea Berta gets green light for huge deal#AFChttps://t.co/CUWzf4pag2https://t.co/CUWzf4pag2
Gyokere’s has been pre-occupied with Sporting’s Taca de Portugal final with Benfica on May 26. He too has been unable to talk about his future, saying, “Football is strange… we will see.” However, teammates, like Pedro Goncalves, have hinted to the fact he may be leaving joking around about “locking him in the gym” and filming more pre-season training videos and faking that he is with Sporting, to get him to stay. It seems Sporting is resigned to lose him, and post Final, Gyokere’s future will be in discussed.
Manchester United and Chelsea have expressed interest, but with the grief of losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, United now finds it more difficult financially. Arsenal, meanwhile, are offering Champions League football and are now in a leading position. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains a backup plan, although Gyokeres is Arteta’s first choice.
Recently, Gyokeres’ uncle said that the striker’s family wants him to stay in Portugal, explaining they all love Sporting. However, Portuguese publication O Jogo state that personal terms are the last hurdle for Arsenal to clear. Fabrizio Romano reported that Gyokeres’ camp is expecting a summer exit and that top clubs are prepared to meet Sporting’s €65 million asking price.
Any Arsenal fan that does not want Gyokeres is an enemy of our club.😡 79 goals and Assist in a single season pic.twitter.com/vEV8fDmsjC
Gyokeres said he was sad to see manager Ruben Amorim depart mid-season to Manchester United, but has “no hard feelings.” While Amorim would likely be an influencing factor to Gyokeres with United, the lack of Champions League football would dampen this appeal.
Mikel Arteta has emphasised Arsenal’s requirement for “firepower”. He stated: “To win trophies you need to do magic in the market.” Gyokeres’ physicality and tally of goals fits Arsenal’s ambitions, making him a logical fit.
Sporting Playoff’s cup final on May 26th is the last hold up. After that, submission of bids will formally take place. Arsenal’s sense of urgency is apparent, but they know better than to rush or they will overpay. The club feels that Gyokers is a player they need to be title challengers.
Victor Gyokers and his move to Arsenal is contingent on agreeing to terms after the final is over. With a reduced fee agreed upon and Arteta’s idea around the move engaging, Gyokers seems to be on course to join the Gooners. However, the competition and some family feelings will still play a part in this transfer deal. Arsenal fans are waiting for some clarity. However, things are coming to a conclusion to the striker search, hopefully Gyokers is it!
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