Arsenal confident of winning race for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal’s Premier League rivals are reportedly expecting the Gunners to emerge as the frontrunners in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres, according to talkSPORT.

Mikel Arteta has made Gyokeres a key target ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, and the Swedish forward is said to be open to a move to north London.

He is one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers following two exceptional campaigns in Portugal.

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.

Arsenal are considered the frontrunners and are confident in securing Gyokeres’ signature

Arsenal have long held an interest in the Sweden international as they look to bolster their forward line with a much-needed striker this summer.

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

However, the striker is reportedly more inclined to join Arsenal than reunite with Amorim at Old Trafford.

Arsenal are considered the frontrunners and are confident in securing Gyokeres’ signature when the summer transfer window opens.

Sporting have prepared for a summer sale and are open to sanctioning a deal below the player’s contractually stipulated release fee.

As a result, Gyokeres would represent a more affordable option compared to fellow target Alexander Isak, who is valued at £150million by Newcastle.

Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a known admirer of Gyokeres, which further strengthens their pursuit of the player.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, but it appears that Gyokeres remains the club’s primary target ahead of the transfer market reopening.