Arsenal submit opening bid for Viktor Gyokeres amid Chelsea interest

Arsenal have reportedly made an initial offer for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres, amid concerns that Chelsea could enter the race for the striker.

After another trophyless season, Arsenal are urgently seeking a new centre-forward for the 2025-26 campaign.

According to Correio da Manhã, the Gunners have submitted an initial offer worth €75million (£63m) for Gyokeres, who has been a key figure for Sporting.

However, the report adds that Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, views this as merely an opening bid and is holding out for a higher price for the prolific striker.

Arsenal are eager to win the race for the Swedish international, but they are wary of Premier League rivals Chelsea, who could make a bid close to Gyokeres’ €100million (£85m) release clause.

Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in July 2023, Gyokeres has netted 95 goals and provided 27 assists in 99 appearances across all competitions.

More than half of his contributions have come this season, with 52 goals and 15 assists, including seven hat-tricks.

The 26-year-old is also on track to become the first player from outside Europe’s top five leagues to win the European Golden Boot in 23 years.

Manchester United have also expressed interest in the forward, with head coach Ruben Amorim having previously worked with Gyokeres at Sporting.

Mikel Arteta’s side are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the summer, having agreed personal terms with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal will play their penultimate match of the current season on Sunday, when they travel to Anfield to face newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.