Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres is expected to prioritise a move to Arsenal this summer, it has been claimed. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from the Gunners after having another remarkable season in Portugal, scoring 52 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.
Mikel Arteta's side are expected to sign a new centre forward in the transfer window and Gyokeres has been identified as a primary target following his impressive form at Sporting.
According to The Telegraph, new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to favour a move for Gyokeres. It's added that the Sweden international is set to prefer the Gunners over Manchester United - who remain keen on bringing him to Old Trafford - if he decides to leave Sporting.
Benjamin Sesko is also a genuine option for Arsenal - almost 12 months after they tried to sign him from RB Leipzig. The Gunners wanted the 21-year-old Slovenian, but he opted to sign a new contract at Leipzig. Arsenal asked about Sesko again in January when they attempted to lure Ollie Watkins to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's dream target is thought to be Newcastle United's Alexander Isak but the Magpies are desperate to keep hold of their talisman. Eddie Howe's side insist the Swede, 25, is not for sale and a deal would be even more difficult to strike should Newcastle reach the Champions League next season.
Gyokeres has therefore emerged as a more realistic target, and Sporting are understood to be prepared to let him go for lower than his £85million release clause. Instead, Sporting are willing to listen to offers in the region of between £55m and £70m - a significant reduction from the clause in his contract.
While Sporting haven't made it clear that Gyokeres can leave, there is an expectation that he will move on after two years in Portugal. His destination, however, has not been confirmed but Arsenal are confident of getting a deal over the line, even if United and Ruben Amorim want to secure his services.
Amorim and Gyokeres worked together at Sporting and the pair have a good relationship, but the former Coventry City forward would only consider a move to United if they qualify for the Champions League.
After scoring a hat-trick for Sporting against Moreirense last month, Gyokeres issued an update on his future. He said: "No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment."
When asked if he was allowed to leave Sporting at a lower price after rejecting a chance to leave in January, he added: "I can't say anything about that. I like Lisbon."
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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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