Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, focusing their efforts on him instead of their alternative target, Benjamin Sesko.
Sources indicate that the Gunners have narrowed down their search for a new leading forward and are now prioritizing a move for Gyokeres.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal officials feel they are nearing the final stages of agreeing a transfer fee with Sporting Lisbon for the star forward.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Arsenal have already reached a personal agreement with Gyokeres himself on the terms of a five-year contract.
Gyokeres is reportedly eager to leave Sporting this summer, asserting that the club has not honored a previous `gentleman`s agreement` allowing him to depart for a reduced fee.
Sporting President Federico Varandas has stated that while the club is open to selling Gyokeres for less than his official release clause, they will remain firm in demanding a fair market price for the striker who finished as the Portuguese league`s top scorer.
Comparing Gyokeres` valuation to recent transfers, Varandas cited deals for players like Martin Zubimendi (€65m) and forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo (around €75m), suggesting that Gyokeres, in his view, possesses higher market value and quality.
Varandas confirmed they are not strictly demanding the release clause amount but will be reasonable on price, adding that he believes there is a high probability of Viktor leaving this summer.
He declined to reveal the specific asking price publicly, stating only that the player is aware of it.
Varandas emphatically stated that Viktor will “just won`t” leave for a fee of €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Gyokeres feels “betrayed and tired” by Sporting`s current stance on his potential departure.
It is alleged that Gyokeres has informed Sporting that he will not return to the club and has no intention of playing for them again.
Last season was prolific for Gyokeres, who scored an impressive 39 goals in 33 league appearances, leading the goal tally across Europe`s top 10 leagues.
Although Arsenal were previously linked with Benjamin Sesko, the significant progress in talks for Gyokeres suggests that a move for Sesko is now unlikely.
In other transfer news for Arsenal, the club today confirmed the £5 million signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, who will serve as backup to David Raya next season.
Additionally, transfers for Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad are reportedly close to being finalized by the Gunners.
