Sunderland and Arsenal are both showing plenty of ambition in the market this summer.
The Black Cats have already spent £30m on Habib Diarra to smash their transfer record, also splashing £15m on Noah Sadiki and £20m to make Enzo Le Fee a permanent Sunderland player after his impressive loan spell.
Over at Arsenal, the Gunners have landed Martin Zubimendi in a £55.8m deal – widely regarded as one of Europe’s best midfielders – and are now pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, after he scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season.
A story from Record in Portugal now shares how Sunderland could finally help Arsenal sign the Sweden international after a protracted transfer saga.
Sunderland in talks to sign Luis Suarez, a development which could spark Sporting CP into action
The Portuguese news outlet believe Sporting CP want Luis Suarez – the Almeria No.9 as opposed to the Uruguay international who shone at Liverpool – to replace Gyokeres, but are waiting until the Swede is sold before starting negotiations.
Now, however, Record state that Sunderland have swooped in and are trying to beat the Lisbon-based outfit to the Colombia international, who is valued at €25m (£22m) by Almeria.
This could instil some urgency into Sporting CP to finalise the sale of Gyokeres – called “one of the best” strikers around – to Arsenal, as, if they risk waiting any longer, Sunderland could pinch Suarez, the man they have identified as their chosen replacement.
Crucially, Record add that Almeria themselves are keen to sort out the future of Suarez as soon as possible so they can find a replacement, and will not wait for Sporting CP if Sunderland present a respectable bid.
The latest on Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal
Gyokeres himself is desperate to join Arsenal – even agreeing a £1.7m pay cut – although the current issue is between the Gunners and Sporting CP.
Fabrizio Romano states that Sporting CP want to be seen as “firm” negotiators in the market, and are therefore unwilling to be bullied by Arsenal, who are being told to pay £60m upfront if they want to sign the man born in Stockholm.
Personal terms have, however, already been agreed with Gyokeres, so once a fee is in place between Arsenal and Sporting CP, this deal should swiftly materialise.