Arsenal’s Big Summer Target Faces Major Hurdle
Arsenal is keen on acquiring Sporting Lisbon’s striker Viktor Gyokeres during this summer transfer window and is prepared to negotiate a fee around £60 million, as reported by The Sun. However, Sporting Lisbon is holding firm, demanding the full £85 million release clause for the 26-year-old Swedish international.
Gyokeres had an outstanding 2023-24 season, scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 games across all competitions. His prolific performance played a crucial role in Sporting Lisbon’s Primeira Liga triumph, where he emerged as the top scorer with 29 goals.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his attacking options for the upcoming title challenge, and Gyokeres fits perfectly into his plans. Initially, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was Arsenal’s top target, with a £55 million release clause ready to be activated. However, Sesko’s recent contract extension with Leipzig forced Arsenal to explore other options.
The Gunners have been closely monitoring Gyokeres for the past year and believe he has the attributes to enhance their offensive lineup. Despite this, the £85 million price tag set by Sporting Lisbon remains a significant obstacle, and Arsenal is hesitant to meet this valuation for the former Coventry City forward.
Sporting Lisbon aims to generate funds this summer but prefers to do so through the sale of other players, including defenders Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio, both linked with Arsenal. Diomande is valued at approximately £50 million, while Inacio has a £52 million release clause. Despite these options, Arsenal is focused on securing an attacking reinforcement and hopes that Sporting Lisbon will reconsider their demands for Gyokeres.
With the transfer window heating up, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will succeed in lowering Sporting’s asking price or if they will need to shift their attention to alternative targets.