Arsenal Leads the Race for Sporting Sensation Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres is firmly on Arsenal’s radar, with the Gunners jumping ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the free-scoring forward. The 25-year-old has been a rip-roaring success in Portugal since his move from Coventry City last summer, leading the scoring charts with 22 goals in 24 league games.
Gyokeres also sits second on the list of the top assist makers in Primeira Liga, with only Benfica’s Rafa Silva above the Sweden international at the time of writing. According to reports, Gyokeres’ sensational numbers have caught the attention of Europe’s heavyweight teams, with Arsenal at the front of the English pack for his signature.
Sporting are determined to keep hold of Gyokeres and will only allow a sale if his eye-watering £86m release clause is paid in full. The club is even prepared to increase his salary and release clause to give themselves ‘greater protection’ ahead of a potential bidding war in the summer transfer window.
In April, Gyokeres’ agents will head for Portugal to discuss the player’s situation with Sporting. The Primeira Liga leaders could look to raise the forward’s release clause to £103m to strengthen their position. Champions League qualification could prove key for Sporting in keeping hold of Gyokeres, with only the Portuguese champions guaranteed direct passage into Europe’s elite competition this season.
Back in January, Chelsea had reportedly lodged a £73m bid for Gyokeres, which was rejected by Sporting. However, Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim was ‘not worried’ about Chelsea’s offer as it was ‘not enough’ to prise Gyokeres away from Lisbon. Amorim emphasized that he was focused on the player’s performance and not distracted by transfer rumors.
With fierce competition expected from top European clubs, Arsenal will need to act decisively if they want to secure Gyokeres’ services. The forward’s impressive goal-scoring record and potential make him a highly sought-after talent in the upcoming transfer window.