Arsenal have been given a boost in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old striker continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following another impressive outing in the Portuguese top-flight.
Gyokeres, who sees his contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, featured 33 times in the Primeira Liga this season, scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a crucial role in Rui Borges' team, the Sweden international fired Sporting to their second successive title.
He also helped the Lions clinch the domestic double, netting a late equaliser in a 3-1 win over Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final. Gyokeres' eye-catching performances haven't gone unnoticed, attracting attention from some top clubs.
football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of the Sweden international with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship. Despite impressing last term, the Gunners, like many other clubs, opted against making a bid.
But the Swede continued his excellent form this season, making him an attractive option. football.london understands that Andrea Berta is thought to be a 'big fan', but, as it stands, an official offer hasn't been submitted.
Fortunately for Arsenal, they could be given a discount if Sporting respect their initial agreement with Gyokeres. According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Swede has been 'left angered' by the Lions, who are holding out for €80m (£67.5m) from interested clubs – like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – this summer.
The report claims that, last summer, Gyokeres was promised he would be free to leave the Jose Alvalade Stadium for less than his €100m (£85m) release clause whenever he decided to move on. Record state that Sporting initially wanted €60m (£50m) up front, with €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons, but now they've moved the goalposts.
It's believed that the Portuguese outfit are now asking for €80m (£67.5m), which hasn't gone down well with Gyokeres, who has recently taken 'Sporting' out of his Instagram profile. The Arsenal target first showed signs of discontent with his price tag during an interview with Swedish publication Sport Bladet in September 2024.
Shortly after the summer transfer window slammed shut last year, Gyokeres said: "They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight.
"That's how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay. Of course, you want to play at the highest level. It [his release clause] was probably a bit too much, because nothing came of it.
"Of course, it's a lot of money, but we'll see what happens next window. Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. So yes, that's probably why there was simply no move.
"But that's what Sporting thinks I'm worth, and you have to respect that. I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can't complain about anything, so it's absolutely no problem for me to stay.
"Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress."
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