Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sporting CP.
Manchester United-linked Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres also has Arsenal plotting a swoop for him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has, reportedly, set an impending deadline for the club to finalise a deal for - who is admired by .
United have been linked with a move for the Sweden striker, 27, since Ruben Amorim's arrival at last November. The Portuguese head coach is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer after underwhelming performances from Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
After missing out on the title, Arsenal are looking to improve their own attack to close the gap on the league leaders. Several potential targets have been identified, including RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but Sporting Clube de Portugal's Gyokeres seems to be the standout choice for Arsenal.
According to reports, they are nearing an agreement for the Sweden striker after settling personal terms. Talks are ongoing with Sporting - who are said to be holding out for a fee of around €80million (£69m) for their prized asset.
While negotiations progress, Arteta is reportedly pressing for a swift conclusion. argue that the Gunners head coach wants a new striker signed before the squad depart for their pre-season tour, in Singapore, on July 19.
The bulk of the discussions will need to be wrapped up in the week starting July 14, giving Arsenal a tight window to finalise the details of the transfer.
Sporting's president Federico Varandas has recently commented on Gyokeres' situation.
He stated: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dream or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor."
Varandas continued: "Today, there is a strong likelihood he will leave. I won't disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for £60m plus £10m.
"He won't leave, absolutely not. In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for £65m, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for about 75m euros.
"We are talking about players who are 26-years-old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don't believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world."
Gyokeres has bagged a sensational 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting - a goal record that has seen interest accelerate for his signature. However, the Sweden international is yet to finalise a move from Portugal.
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