Arsenal have seen Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres choose them as his preferred destination as he angles for a move away from the Primeira Liga champions - potentially forcing their hand in their bid to sign a new talisman amid interest in Benjamin Sesko.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus earlier in the season saw Arsenal struggle to keep the pace in the Premier League title race, before they crashed out in the Champions League semi-final - and that means that the club will be vying for a new talisman, with Gyokeres reportedly throwing his name into the hat to get a move sorted.
Report: Viktor Gyokeres Selects Arsenal as Preferred Destination
The Swedish star has been in emphatic form in Portugal
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating after scoring for Sporting
The report by the Daily Mirror suggests that Gyokeres 'fancies' a move to Arsenal if he gets to choose between clubs this summer. The Gunners are one of a number of top clubs chasing a striker this summer, with the Swede cropping up onto many shortlists across Europe, including Manchester United - where former boss Ruben Amorim is currently in the dugout.
Viktor Gyokeres' season statistics - record by competition, 2024/25
Competition
Primeira Liga
Champions League
Taca de Portugal
Allianz Cup
Supertaca
However, it's thought that Sporting believe Gyokeres prefers Arsenal and the Premier League over a move to Spain and Italy - though it's thought that he's also keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners able to offer Champions League football, which United can't.
Sporting are ready to sell the 'unstoppable' former Brighton striker whilst his stock is at its highest, having hit 95 goals in 100 games for the Lisbon-based outfit, and they will let him leave for a bid of over £60million this summer - something which will interest director of football, Andrea Berta.
Berta is known to be in the market for a striker, though he has not decided who his top target will be, having spoken to a number of agents. Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer, with RB Leipzig striker Sesko also on their wishlist - but Gyokeres' preference to move to north London could hold a lot of weight when it comes to Berta's decision.
Gyokeres became well-known in his time at Coventry City and boasts English experience, but he's six years older than Sesko, which could also be a factor for Berta.