Arsenal are prepared to shell out ‘£50m-£60m’ on Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to The Sun.

The English tabloid reports that the Gunners have identified the Swedish international as an alternative to Benjamin Sesko.

Gyokeres has been scouted by the London club on several occasions this season and they would be interested in starting negotiations over a transfer this summer.

However, Sporting’s asking price makes a deal unlikely at the moment. The Portuguese champions are holding out for the forward’s €100m (£84m) release clause and they are unwilling to compromise.

It means there is a £25m and £35m gap between the two parties, leaving Arsenal with a decision to make on whether to up their offer or move on to other targets.

Why are Sporting refusing to lower their valuation?

The Sun report that, even though the Portuguese side need to sell players, they are hoping to offload Ousmane Diomande or Goncalo Inacio instead.

Ironically, both of those defenders have been linked with moves to the Emirates over the past year but the Gunners have prioritised a deal for Gyokeres.

Do Arsenal have other striker targets?

Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee but it is believed that AC Milan are currently favourites to secure the Dutchman’s signature. A move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has also been ruled out as the 24-year-old could cost in excess of £100m. It is a similar situation with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, whose release clause stands at £109m.

A cheaper alternative, such as Ajax’s Brian Brobbey or Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier, could be considered but the Gunners are keen on recruiting an elite forward who can score 20+ goals a season; something that Gyokeres would be able to provide.

Find out more about Arsenal’s transfer plans by watching the Chris Wheatley Show on Shots! here