EXCLUSIVE: Sporting open to sell 'disappointed' Gyokeres to Arsenal in January

Steve Kay

Updated: 17 Sept 2024 22:34 BST
3 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are maintaining a close watch on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres ahead of the January transfer window, FootballTransfers understands.

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With Gunners scouts having monitored him extensively last season, the Swedish international remains on the club's radar as a potential January signing.

Our sources suggest that Gyökeres was disappointed not to secure a move to London during the summer transfer market.

We understand that Sporting are open to selling the striker for substantially less than his €100 million release clause.

This is despite Sporting president Frederico Varandas recently expressing frustration over how players he considers weaker to Gyokeres are valued much higher than the Swede.

A discussion between Gyökeres and Sporting has reportedly taken place, with an agreement between the two parties that the club's full asking price will need to be met, whether in January or next summer.

After a sensational first season with Sporting following his move from Coventry in the summer of 2023, Gyökeres continues to impress this season.

He netted a penalty in Sporting’s recent 3-0 win over Arouca, bringing his seasonal tally to 11 goals and five assists for club and country.

Arsenal scouts are understood to be continuing to watch Gyokeres closely as a transfer decision looms.

The Gunners are still on the lookout for a natural number nine, having failed to acquire one during the summer transfer window.

Benjamin Sesko was initially their primary target until he signed a contract renewal with Leipzig in June.

Gyokeres at Sporting

Gyokeres scored a sensational 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Portuguese champions Sporting last season.

His 29 league goals meant he finished the season as Primeira Liga top scorer.

Gyokeres has been a revelation ever since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry for €20 million plus €4m in bonuses last summer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Gyokeres can bring the team the goals they have missed from the number nine position in the last two seasons.

Arteta has been forced to often use Kai Havertz in an unnatural striker role this past year.

While Gabriel Jesus has impressed over the last two years in his overall play, he has not proved to be prolific enough for a team who wants to win the Premier League and challenge for the Champions League.

Jesus has just 19 goals in 70 appearances for Arsenal, a total that Gyokeres more than doubled last season alone for Sporting Lisbon.