Arsenal 'send scouts' to monitor big-money striker as Chelsea join race for £85m transfer target

Arsenal’s admiration of Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has been well documented. However, the latest reports indicate that they not only could they contend with Barcelona, but the Gunners could face fresh competition for the striker’s signature from Premier League and London rivals Chelsea.

The Swedish sensation scored 43 goals in 50 appearances last campaign and already has nine goals in six matches across all competitions this season. He has firmly established himself as one of the best attacking players in European football and, as such, is on the radar of ‘multiple’ Premier League clubs, according to HITC reporter Graeme Bailey.

While it was reported yesterday that Lisbon could be ready to sell their most prized asset for cheaper than the suggested £85m release clause which caused many clubs to back off in the summer, the latest news now suggests that both Arsenal and Chelsea sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old former Coventry City star in action on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League.

While Arsenal were drawing 0-0 with Atalanta, Sporting picked up a 2-0 win over Ligue 1’s Lille with Gyokeres not only opening up the scoring for his side, but going on to earn the Player of the Match award.

Of course, it now remains to be seen whether the Gunners or Blues come forward with an official offer to sign him in the January transfer window, but yesterday’s news indicated that the Swedish international was ‘disappointed’ to have already missed out on one opportunity to join the Emirates in the summer. If another chance presents itself, Sporting may have little choice but to let their goal-scoring ace depart.

Arsenal were hotly tipped to bring in a new striker in the summer’s transfer window, especially with Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries and consistency. Similarly, the Blues were said to be hopeful of finding an improvement on Nicolas Jackson yet despite welcoming eleven new stars, no front man was bought.

The Swedish international would certainly provide either club an improvement on their current options but whether they are willing to cough up the full £84m is yet to be confirmed.