Arsenal are planning to submit an opening bid for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres in the next few days.
The Swedish international has been Arsenal’s top target among strikers alongside Benjamin Sesko this summer, and sources have now strongly suggested that the Gunners could make an offer soon.
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After negotiations with RB Leipzig for Sesko do not seem to be progressing, well-informed sources in the industry have told CaughtOffside that there could be movement around Gyökeres in the coming days.
It is believed that this could come in the form of an opening bid from Arsenal, possibly in the region of €75-80 million.
Arsenal are also said to be aware of Gyökeres’ clear preference for a move to the Emirates Stadium, although he also has other interested parties in the form of Manchester United and Juventus.
Viktor Gyökeres has told friends that he wants to join Arsenal
Our sources claim that Gyökeres has been clear to those closest to him that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.
The 27-year-old striker has reportedly stated that he wants to play under Mikel Arteta and challenge himself in the Premier League.
There have already been “positive talks” between Arsenal and Gyökeres’ agent, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Sporting Lisbon’s demands for Viktor Gyökeres
Gyökeres’ representatives have not been entirely happy with Sporting this summer, after a public dispute erupted over the club’s demands on the player.
| Player | Matches | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Viktor Gyökeres | 52 | 54 |
| Kai Havertz | 36 | 15 |
| Bukayo Saka | 37 | 12 |
| Gabriel Martinelli / Leandro Trossard | 51/56 | 10 |
Gyökeres, who has scored 119 goals in the last three seasons (97 for Sporting), has a release clause of €100 million, but there has been a clear understanding that he could be sold for a lower amount.
However, Sporting have been difficult to negotiate with, while Gyökeres and his representatives have pushed for the Portuguese giants to lower their demands.
It will be interesting to see if a deal can be reached so that Arsenal can finally secure the top-class striker they so desperately need before next season.
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