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Sporting Lisbon are reportedly preparing for life without star striker Viktor Gyokeres, as they target Almeria forward Luis Javier Suarez as his potential replacement. The Portuguese champions are said to be bracing for the departure of Gyokeres, who has emerged as a key transfer target for Arsenal this summer.
Gyokeres was in sensational form last season, netting over 50 goals to help Sporting secure the Primeira Liga title. His prolific campaign has drawn the attention of several European heavyweights, with Arsenal and Manchester United believed to be leading the chase for his signature.
Despite Sporting’s efforts to retain their top scorer, reports suggest that Gyokeres is eager to move on in search of a new challenge. In response, Sporting have turned their attention to Suarez, who enjoyed a remarkable season in Spain’s second division, scoring 31 goals for Almeria. The Colombian international is seen as the ideal candidate to lead the line for Ruben Amorim’s side in the 2025/26 campaign.
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Sporting, known for their astute recruitment and player development, are expected to move swiftly should Gyokeres leave. Their interest in Suarez reflects a strategy to secure an in-form forward with potential resale value, an approach that has brought them success in the past.
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Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, Gyokeres’ departure is far from straightforward. Although it was previously reported that Sporting would accept an offer in the region of £65 million, below the striker’s release clause, tensions have risen over what the club is now demanding. Gyokeres is believed to be frustrated with the situation, as Sporting appear to be seeking a higher fee than initially agreed.
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Club president Frederico Varandas has dismissed talk of a verbal agreement regarding Gyokeres’ sale. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m, because I never promised that,” Varandas said. “To this day, Sporting has not received an offer for Gyokeres neither this season nor last.”
Arsenal remain focused on bolstering their attack and have identified RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as their primary target. However, complications around the Slovenian’s wage demands could force the Gunners to pivot toward Gyokeres as a more feasible option.
Gyokeres is no stranger to English football, having previously featured for Brighton, Swansea, and most notably Coventry City, where his performances in the Championship caught the eye of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. That connection has also fueled speculation of a move to Manchester United, although the Red Devils’ lack of Champions League football could be a stumbling block.
For now, Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners for the Swedish forward, who is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks.
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