Arsenal 'likely' to sign £85 million goal machine

Arsenal are 'more and more likely' to complete a deal for Sporting Lisbon talisman Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to a new report in the Portuguese media.

The Gunners are one of the Premier League clubs linked with a big-money move for the 25-year-old, who has plundered 36 goals in all competitions so far this campaign. Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias now claims that Arsenal are becoming 'more attentive' to Gyokeres and goes as far as to say the club 'hopes to reach an agreement' with Sporting for his transfer.

A striker is known to be a priority for Mikel Arteta this summer. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries this term and does not boast the prolific quality desired by many, while questions still remain over Kai Havetz's suitability to play in the position despite his recent form.

The Gunners had been linked with moves for Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Napoli man Victor Osimhem but it now seems that it is Gyokeres who is the club's number one target. The Swedish international has a lofty €100m release clause in his contract - which is equivalent to around £85 million.

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The latest reports from Portugal claim that Arsenal would not be willing to pay that fee, which is somewhat unsurprising given the crackdown on Profitability and Sustainability Rules in the Premier League. Instead, the club could look to bring down that fee by sending a player, or even two, to Sporting to sweeten a deal.

Arsenal will have to fight off interest from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool for the striker, who was previously on the books at Brighton between 2018 and 2021, but only made eight first-team appearances for the Seagulls. He left Brighton for Coventry City in 2021 and netted 43 goals in 116 appearances before joining Lisbon.