Arsenal has been closely monitoring Sporting Lisbon’s striker Viktor Gyokeres, with potential interest in making an approach, as reported by Portuguese publication Record on page 14.
The Swedish international enjoyed a successful stint in the Championship with Coventry City last season, contributing 22 goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances. Despite being linked to a Premier League move over the summer, Sporting secured his services for €20 million plus add-ons.
Recent reports suggest that Arsenal has observed Gyokeres multiple times this season, contemplating the possibility of securing his signature. However, Sporting is firm in their stance, expressing reluctance to part ways with him in January unless a club is willing to trigger his substantial €100 million release clause.
Gyokeres, previously associated with a Premier League move last summer, opted for Sporting over interest from West Ham United. The 25-year-old has become instrumental for Sporting, boasting 15 goals and seven assists in just 17 appearances.
While Arsenal has shown interest in Gyokeres’ teammate, Ousmane Diomande, any potential deal may be postponed until the summer, as Sporting is unwilling to negotiate in January. Despite Diomande’s potential as a 19-year-old center-back, there are reservations about prioritizing him over other options.
The suggestion is made that while Gyokeres would be a valuable addition for a mid-table Premier League team, Arsenal should set their sights higher in their pursuit of titles. The opinion expressed is that Arsenal could target someone like Victor Osimhen for a more impactful offensive reinforcement.
