EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal prepared to bid for Gyokeres but gap in valuation remains

Steve Kay

Updated: 30 Jul 2024 09:55 CDT
4 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are willing to pay roughly €60 million (£52m) for Viktor Gyokeres.

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We are told that the Sporting CP sharpshooter still tops the Gunners' shortlist of striker options, though a sizeable gap in valuation remains.

Sporting are no longer holding out for the Swede's €100m release clause to be paid in full, but they still want at least around €70m (£60m).

Arsenal have no intention to match Gyokeres' release clause, so the fact that Sporting are open to club-to-club negotiations is a boon.

That said, there has so far been no concrete movement towards opening formal talks due to Arsenal's focus on Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

Contrary to some reports, we are told that Liverpool are not in contact with Gyokeres' camp.

Sporting recently hinted that they could sell the 26-year-old this summer by buying down Coventry's sell-on percentage on the profits generated from a potential departure.

The Championship side were initially entitled to 15 per cent of any transfer fee generated in excess of €20m, but Sporting announced on Sunday that this number had been reduced to 10 per cent in exchange for a €1m fee.

Could Arsenal sign Gyokeres?

The north London club's desire to potentially add a striker this summer is well known. However, the Gunners won't be drawn into spending profligately just for the sake of bringing someone in.

Mikel Arteta has been clear about his desire to primarily add players that can actually 'upgrade' his squad. Gyokeres, who notched an absurd 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 outings last term, could potentially be just such an improvement.

STATS

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

50

Games
43

Goals
15

Assists

Arsenal are mainly content with the roster they currently have, though. FootballTransfers previously revealed that Gabriel Jesus has returned from his summer break in top physical shape and with a renewed commitment to the cause.

If there is a striker who could depart the Emirates this summer, it is Eddie Nketiah. Talks with Olympique Marseille have taken place, but a significant gap in Arsenal's valuation of the player and that of their French counterparts has seen the deal stall.

In case of Nketiah's departure, the need to sign a striker could become a pressing one for Arteta and Edu. Gyokeres would be their preferred option, but there is a recognition that he will be anything but cheap.