TERMS AGREED: Player finally agree five-years transfer deal to join Arsenal as the Gunners are set to trigger his release clause
Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has not given up hope of signing for Arsenal this summer and reportedly ‘believes’ Mikel Arteta will make a move for him, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via SportWitness).
The Sweden international remains an option in Arsenal’s striker search this summer, alongside RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, and is prioritising a move to north London amid growing interest from across Europe.
Record claims Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also pushing to sign Gyokeres, but his desire to play Premier League football next season makes Arsenal his preferred destination.
While Manchester United are also thought to be interested, Gyokeres is keen to play for a Champions League club and challenge for the title, which complicates Ruben Amorim’s hopes of reuniting with him at Old Trafford.
Gyokeres Hopeful of Joining Arsenal
Amid growing interest from European clubs
According to Record, Gyokeres is not currently keen on a move to Juventus or Atletico Madrid and remains hopeful that Arsenal will renew their efforts to sign him in the coming weeks.
Sporting’s financial demands are complicating the pursuit after president Frederico Varandas backtracked on a gentleman’s agreement with the ‘world-class’ striker and raised the asking price.
The Lisbon-based club are now reportedly demanding around €80m (£67m) for Gyokeres, despite a prior agreement that he could leave for €60m (£51m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
Arsenal have yet to announce their first summer signing but remain optimistic about completing a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners reached an agreement in principle for the Spanish international last month and are expected to activate his £51m release clause.
