EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal are Gyokeres' top priority after turning down Chelsea

Steve Kay

Updated: 10 Apr 2024 22:32 BST
3 min read

Viktor Gyokeres now considers Arsenal as his first-choice club to make a transfer to this summer, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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We broke the news that the Gunners have made the Sporting CP striker their priority target for the upcoming window, and now we are told that the feeling is very much reciprocated.

The only stumbling block would be the hefty price tag of €80 million demanded as a first instalment by his current side, with a view to pay the full release clause of €100m down the line. Sources have informed us that Arsenal would look to negotiate that figure down.

Furthermore, we are told that, despite interest from Chelsea, no approach has been made to Gyokeres' representatives since last summer. At the time, the 25-year-old was keen on securing a move to a club participating in European competitions from Coventry City, citing developmental reasons and his age as factors driving his decision.

Gyokeres opted for the Portuguese outfit over other suitors, including Wolves and Torino, due to their involvement in the Europa League. At the time of the initial interest, Arsenal were not in the picture.

Despite ongoing interest from several clubs, Gyokeres remains hopeful of securing a move to a club competing in a European competition.

© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres is wanted by Arsenal above all others

Will Viktor Gyokeres leave this summer?

Speaking to A Bola, the striker’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, admitted that the likelihood of a summer move is getting more apparent, especially with the number of clubs keen on Sporting CP head coach, Ruben Amorim.

He said: “Yes, it will be more difficult for Viktor to stay if Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting. Because Viktor came precisely because of Rúben. The day we met, I said to Rúben: ‘Here’s my boy, he came to Sporting because of you’.

“Of course, it’s an honour for any player to be able to play in the Champions League. Viktor is no exception in that respect, but there are other important things and Rúben Amorim is one of them. If he leaves, it will be more difficult for Viktor to continue.”