Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing an agreement for in-demand Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres as they look to complete a double attacking summer swoop.
The 27-year-old is one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers having netted 54 times in 52 appearances for Sporting last season and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
The Swede has been embroiled in a spat with Sporting’s director over attempts to increase his potential fee for a transfer.
Gyokeres is thought to believe he reached a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting last summer that would see them accept a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) including add-ons at the end of the season.
But Sporting are said to be holding out for a significantly higher fee.
Gyokeres is reportedly set to snub the Portuguese side’s pre-season training and will look to force a move through.
Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing an agreement for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres
The 27-year-old striker has been embroiled in a spat with Sporting Lisbon’s Sporting Director
The Gunners are also targeting in-demand Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche
And Arsenal are now close to reaching a verbal agreement with Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya, according to L’Equipe.
The Gunners are also eyeing Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who is reportedly the target of interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
Monaco appear to be resigned to losing the France Under-21 star, who they value at around €70m (£60m).
Last season, the Frenchman scored seven goals and provided assists in 43 games in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side.
Arteta’s side are keen to bolster their attack after an injury-ravaged campaign up top saw their title bid unravel.
A move for Gyokeres now appears increasingly likely, with the Swede unhappy with
comments made by Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
Speaking about a transfer, Varandas said: ‘Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
‘However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.’
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster Arsenal’s attacking depth after injuries derailed their title charge
Monaco appear to be resigned to losing the France U-21 star, who they value at around €70m
Although Varandas acknowledged that Gyokeres is likely to depart, he stated that the fee will be much higher than the potential price of £60m plus £10m in add-ons.
He also claimed that Gyokeres is worth more than Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United from Wolves for £62.5m.
Varandas said: ‘Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won’t leave, absolutely not.
‘We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65m. I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor’s market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75m.
‘Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.’
