Arsenal are reportedly planning to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signature of Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City for a reported £21m in July 2023.
Gyokeres has scored a remarkable 95 goals and has registered 28 assists in 100 appearances for the Portuguese giants, contributing with 52 goals and 13 assists in 50 games so far this season.
The Sweden international has subsequently caught the attention of several top European clubs and he is widely expected to leave Sporting in this summer's transfer window, even though he has three years remaining on his contract.
A big-money move to the Premier League has been mooted for Gyokeres, with his former manager Ruben Amorim allegedly keen to reunite with the striker at Manchester United.
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Arsenal move ahead of Man United in Gyokeres race?
A recent report claimed that Man United are confident that a move for the Scandinavian sensation is essentially a 'done deal' having made significant strides ahead of rivals to secure his signature.
However, according to Football Insider, Arsenal are 'ready to gazump' Man United in the race to sign Gyokeres, who has been identified by the North Londoners as their top striker target.
The report adds that the Gunners are prioritising a move for a striker and have set their sights on landing Gyokeres this summer, with the striker likely to cost around £60m.
It is understood that Arsenal have in fact made an opening offer for Gyokeres of £63.5m and the Swede is likely to prefer a move to Mikel Arteta's side over joining Man United.
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Arsenal step up pursuit of Gyokeres after Berta arrival
While Arsenal are all but certain to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League and qualify for next season's Champions League, Man United are down in 16th spot and must win the Europa League final to take a place at Europe's top table for 2025-26.
New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to be a key figure behind the club's pursuit of Gyokeres as the Italian is believed to be a huge admirer of the striker.
The Gunners have seemingly turned to Gyokeres as an alternative to Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak, who is valued in excess of £100m.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko has also been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but it seems as if Gyokeres has now become the club's first-choice target.
Gyokeres stated at the end of last month that he is still does not know where his future lies and is currently focuses on firing Sporting to a second consecutive Primeira Liga title.
Oliver Thomas
