Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most prolific strikers in world football right now. The Sporting CP frontman has been in sensational form this season, scoring 27 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.
This form, as you would expect, has seen the Swedish international be linked with a number of top clubs, including Arsenal. The Gunners were tipped to sign the 26-year-old in the summer but no deal came to fruition, mainly due to the €100million (£83million) release clause in his contract.
It's been reported that Gyokeres could be available for around £63million next summer, which is a little more appealing, although it's still possible Arsenal make a move in January. Interestingly, Gyokeres was asked about his future at Sporting CP just last week.
In a conversation with Marca, Gyokeres expressed his aspirations: "We will see. There are many rumours circulating, but we are in the middle of the season, there are still many months left," he said. "We will see when the time comes what will happen. Playing in one of the best teams in Europe. That's the goal.
"I don't play in the Premier League - like others do - but I have done the best I can where I am, I also showed it in Europe, in the Champions League - and with the national team. So it is not 'just' in Portugal [he's shown his best]."
Gyokeres is well-known to the English game following spells at Brighton and Coventry City. "It's hard to understand that sometimes it's real, but that motivates me and I want to keep playing. You can always do better, score more goals," he added.
football.london understands that Arsenal's expectation is to be reactive rather than proactive this window. Meetings were held with owners Stan and Josh Kroenke over the November international break in which the upcoming opportunities for transfers was discussed. Arteta has already hinted that his side will be ready for anything that comes up.
"The window that gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well," he said earlier this month. "We are on it and juts have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better but I’m positive that in a few weeks we're going to be in a better place."
So, it is very possible that Arsenal do make a move for Gyokeres, either in January or next summer. Below, football.london takes a look at what Mikel Arteta's best Arsenal starting line-up would be should the Gunners sign Gyokeres.
Arsenal's best starting XI with Gyokeres: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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