Arsenal identify £85m striker as 'number one transfer target'

Arsenal have lined up a their key forward transfer target following a triumphant last 16 win in the UEFA Champions League. For the first time since 2010, the Gunners have reached the quarter-finals of the European competition after a penalty shoot-out win over Porto.

An early goal from Leandro Trossard secured a 1-1 aggregate draw but after 120 minutes of play, there was still no separation between the sides. David Raya, however, starred for the home side as he saved two penalties to send the Emirates wild with joy as they celebrated reaching the final eight of the tournament for 14 years.

However, the summer transfer window is closing in and despite the recent joy, Mikel Arteta will already be looking to see how he can firm up his squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.

After noise surrounding potential acquisitions of Brentford's Ivan Toney and Napoli's Victor Osimhen, latest reports suggest the Gunners have landed on Sporting CP frontman Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish star has an adaptability that sets him apart from the other potential targets as he has able to play as a centre forward, right-wing or left-wing

Last summer, the 25-year-old signed a five year deal with the Preimeira Liga outfit, moving from EFL side Coventry City in deal worth around £17 million with an additional £3.4m added on in bonuses. As part of this agreement, Coventry are also entitled to receive 10-15 per cent of any profit that Sporting receives from the 25-year-old's future transfer.

This contract also includes a release clause of £85m but it is currently not clear whether Sporting CP would be willing to accept any offers below that amount.

The forward began his career with IF Brommapojkarna before moving to Brighton in 2018. The 25-year-old, however, was sent out on loan to FC St Pauli, Swansea City and Coventry City before moving to the Championship side permanently in 2021. Two years later, Gyokeres signed with Sporting CP where has scored 19 goals in 23 league games, catching the eye of the Arsenal scouts.