Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target outlines stance ahead of January window

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as the January transfer window draws ever closer - however, it seems the pair of London outfits will be met with disappointment if they intently pursue a move for the player.

Gyokeres has insisted that he wants to stay with Sporting until the end of the 2023/24 season. As such, it seems that he will be difficult to pry away from the Portuguese giants presently - Arsenal and Chelsea may need to turn their attention elsewhere if they wish to bolster their options in the striker position.

In a recent interview with Portuguese sports media outlet Record, Gyokeres said: "I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me. I’m very happy [at Sporting] and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment. I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me. Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all."

Would Chelsea or Arsenal benefit from signing Viktor Gyokeres?

Both the Gunners and the Blues are in the hunt for a new striker. Arsenal are looking for another centre-forward to rival Gabriel Jesus, while Chelsea have had problems in that position for several years now. Bringing Gyokeres on board would be a great acquisition for each club - moreover, he has experience of playing in England, having turned out for Brighton, Swansea and Coventry in the past.

Right now though, acquiring Gyokeres' services looks like an unrealistic prospect - unless either club puts forth a fee that Sporting cannot afford to turn down. Chelsea have shown that they are not afraid to make eye-wateringly high offers, as have Arsenal - it's not impossible that he will move in January, but it looks improbable.