Wanted man: Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told friends and family that he will sign for Arsenal this summer.
The Sporting striker is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war this summer and the Gunners are right in the mix to lure the former Coventry forward back to England.
LIVE BLOG: All the latest transfer news and rumours
Standard Sport understands that Arsenal are in talks with both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko over a summer deal, before making a decision on one as Mikel Arteta closes in on his much-desired striker.
Manchester United are also interested in Gyokeres, who has made no secret of his desire to leave Sporting this summer after two prolific seasons.
Sporting are demanding at least €70million (£59.6m) to begin negotiations over a fee, and reports last week suggested that Arsenal are now clear favourites to sign Gyokeres despite seeing an opening bid worth €55m (£47m) reportedly rejected.
Gyokeres has set his sights on playing Champions League football, which has led to him 'officially rejecting' United and a reunion with former Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim.
There were suggestions from Gyokeres' camp that the player and Sporting has a 'gentleman's agreement' to sell for around £59m, which prompted a remarkable denial from club president, Frederico Varandas aimed at Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya.
Read More
Transfer news LIVE! Sesko to Arsenal twist; triple Chelsea deal; Wirtz
Starmer wishes Lionesses luck ahead of Women’s Euro 2025 tournament
Tottenham fined over fans' homophobic chanting during Man United win
SponsoredPast AXA Startup Angel winners share their tips
Even so, talkSPORT report on Thursday that Gyokeres' confidence is so high that he has told friends and family that he expects to be an Arsenal player next season.