Arsenal look to be in pole position to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer despite previous interest from Chelsea and Napoli.
The Gunners are reportedly one of just two teams left in the race for Gyokeres; the other being London rivals Chelsea. Serie A side Napoli was previously interested in signing Gyokeres, however, they have pulled out of the running.
According to Football London, Napoli are resigned to losing star striker Victor Osimhen this summer and are looking for a replacement. They have decided to prioritise Chelsea striker Lukaku as their target which frees up Gyokeres for Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Blues are also keen on Osimhen meaning that a swap deal with extra cash could occur between the two teams should Chelsea make the move for the Nigerian striker.
Taking all this into account, Arsenal is in the best possible spot if they decide to focus on signing Gyokeres as their competition has never been more distracted.
How much could Gyokeres cost Arsenal?
The former Coventry City star moved to Sporting CP in July 2023 for around £20 million. However, he will cost the Gunners a lot more than that.
The Portuguese side is keen on holding onto Gyokeres which means any team that wants to sign him will likely have to pay the £86 million release clause in his contract.
It is a hefty fee but it is not like Victor Osimhen’s price tag is likely to be any cheaper with his release clause sitting at £113 million.
Viktor Gyokeres had a world-class season
The Swedish international became famous after an incredible 21-goal season for Coventry City in the Championship, helping his side to the playoff final where they fell to Luton Town.
He then moved to Sporting CP in the Portuguese top division where he had an even better season. The 26-year-old scored 29 goals in just 33 games – a statistic that would be hard to match for any top striker.
It is one of the reasons why Gyokeres is so in demand this summer and could be on his way to light up the Premier League.
