Liverpool have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres
(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool continue to be linked with a stunning summer move for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after scoring 54 goals in 52 matches this season.
Gyokeres has a £85million release clause in his Sporting contract but he could be allowed to leave the Portuguese club for a much lower fee. Reports have suggested that £60m is expected to be enough for Sporting to sanction his departure, two years since his £17m move from Coventry City.
Premier League rivals Arsenal have reportedly identified Gyokeres a top target as Mikel Arteta tries to strengthen his front line, while Chelsea have 'made an enquiry' for the Sweden international.
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But with Arsenal also chasing Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea closing in on a deal to sign Liam Delap, the door could be left open for Liverpool to swoop in and bring Gyokeres to Anfield.
Odds have tumbled for Gyokeres to make the move to Liverpool in the last 24 hours and there is talk that the Reds are going to prioritise signing a No.9 if Darwin Nunez is sold.
With this in mind, Liverpool Echo have taken a look at the latest regarding Gyokeres to Liverpool...
Gyokeres preference made clear
Last week, Portuguese publication A Bola claimed that Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal are the three clubs Gyokeres likes the most. It was said that talks will 'take shape' after the Portuguese Cup final - which ended in Sporting beating Benfica last Sunday - a decision that came from both Gyokeres and the club.
Gyokeres scored his 54th goal of the season as Sporting came from behind to beat Benfica and win their second major trophy of the season. They had lifted the Liga Portugal title, with Gyokeres winning the division's Player of the Season after netting 39 times - 20 more than second-place Vangelis Pavlidis.
Liverpool move
According to football transfers, Liverpool have 'joined the race' for Gyokeres and are prepared to match any offer to sign him. The Reds are expected to strengthen their squad this summer, despite winning the Premier League, and Gyokeres is someone that has been pinpointed as a potential addition.
While Liverpool are expected to face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, the fact the Reds are the current Premier League champions could help sway Gyokeres to pick them.
Price tag
Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Gyokeres' future in March and the price tag that is expected to be enough to prize him from Sporting this summer. "The package that Sporting could accept, could be around €65m to €75m," he said on his YouTube channel.
"That's a very good price for one of the best strikers in Europe in terms of numbers. All the top clubs in Europe are going very strong for Gyokeres in the summer. I've been informed this price could be enough to land him. Many clubs are exploring the situation and are ready to present their project to Viktor Gyokeres."