Arsenal want to sign 26yo UCL star with 15 assists last term, transfer decision this week – report
Arsenal are likely to make multiple signings during the back end of the transfer window and a marquee striker could be one of the priorities for the manager.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres was linked constantly with the Gunners earlier this year, but the speculation subsided following his minor knee surgery in late May.
The Swede has now returned to pre-season action with the Portuguese champions. He made his comeback with an impressive hat-trick against Farense earlier today.
Correio da Manha now claim that Arsenal have revived their interest in the marksman, but they have some doubts over his recovery following his operation.
They want to monitor his progress first before stepping up with a transfer approach for him.
Arsenal had scouts in attendance for the Farense game and they will once again watch him against Athletic Bilbao in the Cinco Violinos Trophy on Saturday.
Gyokeres would be a perfect striker signing for Arsenal
The Sweden international joined Sporting from Coventry City last summer and he was a revelation for them with 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 appearances.
He played through the pain barrier during the second half of the season and decided to undergo a minor knee procedure shortly after the conclusion of the campaign.
The surgery cooled the speculation over him leaving the club, but his hat-trick against Farense should trigger attention from interested clubs including the Gunners.
Gyokeres would be a perfect striker signing for Arsenal. Aside from his goalscoring ability, the Swede is blessed with good distribution and the knack for creating chances.
He created an impressive 11 big chances in the Primeira Liga last term. The striker also excelled with his dribbling as well as the ability to constantly press his opponents.
Gabriel Jesus has similar attributes, but he has lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. The Brazilian’s form has been inconsistent amid his constant injury problems.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, has never missed a game in his career with an injury. He won’t come on the cheap, but Arsenal need to splash the cash to land his signature.
The club are prepared to pay £60 million for Gyokeres, but Sporting could hold out for his £84m release clause. An agreement could be reached in the middle of those valuations.