Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal this summer, according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook.
The Gunners want a new number 9 ahead of next season and are expected to choose between the 27-year-old Sweden international and his RB Leipzig counterpart Benjamin Sesko, and it appears Gyokeres is favourite right now.
“I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal,” Crook said on talkSPORT Breakfast this morning.
“We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well, obviously there is that pre-existing relationship with Ruben Amorim.
“But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season.
“But Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m.
“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”
The North London club want a prolific hitman to boost their chances in the Premier League and Champions League next season, and the Sporting star fits the bill after his return of 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 appearances for the Portuguese top-flight club.