Arsenal identify priority striker target ahead of summer transfer window

 

 

Arsenal have made Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres their ‘number one striker target’ ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Football Transfers.

 
The 25-year-old, who made the move from Coventry to Lisbon last summer, has set Liga Portugal alight this season, with 19 goals and nine assists in 23 appearances.

 

Gyokeres, who has 19 caps to his name for the Sweden national team, is the highest rated player in the Portuguese top-flight this term, with a WhoScored rating of 8.04. 

 

The Swede was signed for an initial €20 million last summer, and Sporting could be set for a five-fold payout this year, with a €100 million release clause reportedly inserted into that contract. 


 

Arsenal’s attacking shortcomings had been well publicised ahead of the January transfer window, but since then Mikel Arteta’s side have looked largely free-scoring, though a striker is believed to remain their priority come the end of the season. 

 

The Gunners are also said to be considering the likes of Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, though Gyokeres is preferred to that pair due to his ability to play anywhere across a front three. 

 

Championship side Coventry could be in line for a huge pay day if Arsenal - or indeed any other top European side - choose to spend big on Gyokeres this summer, after they secured between ten and 15 per cent of any profit Sporting make from a future transfer.