Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Sporting Lisbon striker after an incredible debut season in Portugal saw him net 43 goals in 50 games.
Gyokeres has been one of Europe’s top scoring players since his move to SportingAFP
Gyokeres has taken the Primeira Liga by storm since his 2023 summer arrival from Coventry City, winning the league title and Golden Boot last term.
He has started this campaign in similarly devastating form with 11 goals in eight league games so far.
It has been widely speculated that last season’s Premier League runners-up are huge admirers of the 26-year-old, who is believed to have a €100million [£84m] release clause.
Gyokeres has previously suggested that the huge sum most likely put teams off making a move for him in the summer.
But the Gunners now may not have to spend quite so big if they are to secure the Swede’s services in the future.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Sporting are now prepared to sell the in-demand centre-forward for less than €100m, but only in next summer’s transfer window.
The news publication added that any clubs trying to sign Gyokeres in January will be required to pay his exit clause in full.
It wrote: “Sporting are willing to negotiate Viktor Gyokeres for less than 100 million euros… but only in the summer.
“In the winter transfer window, which opens in January 2025, the Sporting administration considers the 26-year-old Swedish goalscorer to be non-negotiable.
“In other words, if any big names from the strongest and wealthiest European leagues want to sign the forward now, they will have to pay the millionaire value of the release clause.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have shared the responsibility of being Arsenal’s centre-forwardGetty
GettyErling Haaland has won back-to-back Premier League titles and Golden Boot awards at Manchester City[/caption]
“Anyone who wants to sign the Lions’ number 9 for less will have to wait until 2025/2026.”
This news could be a potentially huge boost for Arsenal, who remain without an out-and-out centre forward.
Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with Ivan Toney over the summer, who ultimately moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, with current forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz not natural No.9s.
But they may well face stiff competition if they are to try and land Gyokeres, who has also been said to have been on Chelsea‘s radar.
In the same article, A Bola suggested that Premier League rivals Manchester City could make a play for the ex-Brighton man if Erling Haaland decides to leave the Premier League champions.
This comes after Spanish outlet El Nacional reported that the Norwegian goal-machine has made the choice to leave England next summer in search of a new challenge.
With City agreeing to make Sporting’s Hugo Viana their new sporting director ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, this would also likely play into their hands in their pursuit of Gyokeres.
In addition to his impressive goalscoring exploits in Portugal, the Stockholm-born striker also boasts strong numbers in England.
In the 2022/23 season, he netted 21 goals in 46 Championship games for Coventry, who he joined from Brighton in 2021 after failing to make a league appearance.
This then prompted Sporting to make their move, who snapped him up in a deal worth up to €24m, a record for an outgoing Coventry player.
