Reports indicate Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, prioritizing the Swedish striker over their previous target, Benjamin Sesko.
The Gunners have been evaluating options for a new central forward and seem to have now centered their focus on Gyokeres.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal feel like they are “touching the final line” when it comes to agreeing a deal for the Sporting Lisbon forward.
It is also reported that a five-year contract has been agreed with Gyokeres personally.
Gyokeres is reportedly pushing for a departure from Sporting this summer, citing claims that the club did not honor a `gentleman`s agreement` for a reduced transfer fee.
Sporting president Federico Varandas stated the club is willing to sell Gyokeres for less than his release clause, but insists on receiving a fair valuation for the Portuguese league`s leading goalscorer.
In an interview with O Jogo, Varandas referenced other recent transfers, saying, “Sporting isn`t obligated to sell him, but we respect Viktor`s and our other players` ambitions… We aren`t demanding the release clause and will be reasonable on price. I believe there`s a high chance he`ll leave… Looking at the market, I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, younger than Viktor, move for €65m. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, forwards I don`t rate as highly as Viktor, were discussed around €75m.”
He added, “Based on what we consider fair, I think Viktor could leave – unless his agent is terrible, which I doubt, as he`s one of the world`s best footballers.” Varandas concluded, “I won`t reveal the price; the player knows it. I can state definitively that Viktor will not leave for €60 million plus €10 million. He simply won`t.”
Meanwhile, football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Gyokeres feels “betrayed and tired” by the club`s position.
Reports suggest Gyokeres has informed Sporting he will not return and does not intend to play for them again.
Last season, Gyokeres was the top scorer in Europe`s top 10 leagues, netting 39 goals in 33 appearances.
Arsenal had also been linked with Benjamin Sesko, but progress on the Gyokeres transfer is expected to end negotiations for Sesko.
The Gunners also announced today the £5 million signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, who will serve as backup goalkeeper to David Raya next season.
Additionally, deals for Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad are reportedly close to being finalized.
