EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal set to win Gyokeres battle as price tag slashed

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 5 Nov 2024 09:30 GMT
2 min read

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

Arsenal are once again emerging as frontrunners in the race to sign Sporting CP's prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres.

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After a notable reduction in the Swedish international's release clause, the Gunners appear well-positioned to secure his signature. Scouts will monitor his performance against Manchester City in the Champions League tonight.

According to sources close to Gyökeres, the 26-year-old forward could be available this summer if a Champions League club meets his release clause, now revised to around £55-£60 million, while we understand that Arsenal are open to a move in January, too.

This is a significant reduction from the initial €100 million (£87 million) release clause set at the season's outset, and it has reignited Arsenal's interest in a player who has dominated the Portuguese league with his outstanding goal-scoring ability.

Arsenal had previously cooled their interest due to the initial high fee, turning their attention to RB Leipzig's Slovenian starlet Benjamin Sesko.

However, Sesko opted to stay in Germany, prioritizing regular playing time to further his development.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€18.6M - €31.1M

With Sesko looking likely to be off the table in the short term and Gyökeres’ price now in a more attainable range, Arsenal see this as an ideal opportunity to pounce.

The timing of Sporting’s Champions League match against Manchester City could hardly be more convenient for Arsenal’s scouting team, who will be present at Estadio Jose Alvalade to evaluate the striker’s performance against the reigning Premier League champions. A strong showing against such high-caliber opposition would be a significant indicator of Gyökeres' readiness to thrive in England’s top flight.

The Sweden international has once again been on fire this season. He has 14 goals in as many games as well as four assists. This has once again led to a slew of reports linking him with a move away from Portugal.

Florian Plettenberg, of Sky Germany, has tweeted that even though Sporting CP have a release clause set at €100 million into his current deal, he will be able to leave for much less.

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