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Viktor Gyokeres transfer latest as Arsenal'dream'scenario emerges amid Man Utd interest

Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The 27-year-old's future is still uncertain following an excellent season at Sporting CP, where he scored 54 times in 52 appearances.

Manchester United and Juventus are among the other teams reported to be in the race for Gyokeres, though the Swede would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side can offer Champions League football and maybe a push for the Premier League title once again next season - something that has persuaded Gyokeres.

Gyokeres netted 22 goals in 50 appearances during the 2022/23 season at Coventry City - his most recent stint in English football - and he could be back next term, this time in the Premier League. The former St Pauli and Swansea City loanee spent three years at Brighton & Hove Albion but didn't make a top flight appearance.

Here, football.london has taken a look at the latest regarding Gyokeres...

Text message

According to talkSPORT, it has emerged that Gyokeres has informed his close relations, including friends and family, that he anticipates to make the move to Arsenal. Reporter Alex Crook revealed that he had a message suggesting that he has told them the Gunners is his next destination.

"I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal," he is quoted as saying.

However, it's added a deal could become complicated as Sporting are going to play hardball. It's a tricky situation between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that there is a gentleman's agreement in place for the ex-Coventry City man to leave for £59 million this summer.

Sporting, meanwhile, are looking for nearer £80m - a fee that would make the player Arsenal's second most expensive signing behind Declan Rice's £100m move back in 2023.

Arsenal 'dream'

Portuguese media outlet Record claimed last week that Viktor Gyokeres is set to wait "until the end to see his dream of playing for Arsenal become reality."

The Sweden international is still on holiday but believes patience will be key in landing a move to north London this summer with Arteta's side looking to bolster their forward line.

Reports surfaced earlier this month claiming that Gyokeres was unhappy with a supposed gentleman's agreement not being honoured, with former Sporting CP sporting director Hugo Viana said to have agreed to sanction a departure for bids in the region of £51.25m plus a further £8.55m in add ons.

The report claims Gyokeres' agent Hasan Cetinkaya has proof of an agreement, following a meeting held last year. It's added that although there is interest from other clubs, Arsenal are Gyokeres' preferred destination, though the two parties have not had contact for over a week.

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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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