Arsenal have apparently started behind-the-scenes talks to try to win the race for Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window.
The Sweden international is thought to have become the Gunners' top attacking target following the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta, who agreed to take over as Edu's successor earlier this year.
Berta was keen to sign Gyokeres for Atletico Madrid during his lengthy stint with the Spanish giants, and his admiration for the former Coventry City man has not waned during the striker's phenomenal time in Portugal.
Gyokeres netted his fifth hat-trick of the campaign in all competitions in Friday's 3-1 Primeira Liga win over Moreirense, taking his total for the season to an astounding 47 goals and 11 assists from 46 games.
Now, Football Insider reports that Arsenal have started initial talks to strike a deal for Gyokeres, whose arrival they want to wrap up as early as possible in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal and Gyokeres in 'behind-the-scenes' negotiations
© Imago
Berta is said to be spearheading Arsenal's pursuit of the 26-year-old, and negotiations are now being held 'behind the scenes' as the North London giants seek to fend off the competition.
Gyokeres's Sporting contract - which runs until 2028 - is understood to hold a release clause worth around €100m (£85.7m), but the Portuguese club may be willing to accept bids within the £60m to £70m range instead.
Manchester United are expected to be Arsenal's main competition in the race to sign Gyokeres, who thrived under now-Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese's move to Old Trafford.
However, unless the Red Devils win the Europa League, they will not be playing in Europe next season, handing Arsenal an immediate advantage over their long-time rivals in the transfer battle.
Gyokeres has already faced Arsenal once this season, but he was nullified by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in a 5-1 Champions League league-phase defeat to Mikel Arteta's side.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old has contributed a staggering 90 goals and 26 assists in 96 matches for Sporting in all competitions, prior to which he netted 41 times in 121 Championship appearances.
What alternative strikers can Arsenal target?
© Imago
The signs certainly are promising when it comes to Arsenal and Gyokeres, especially considering how determined Berta seems to be to finally land him, but there are alternatives out there should that switch fall through.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak will almost certainly be too expensive, but RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko - whom Arsenal tried and failed to strike a deal for in 2024 - could be a viable option again.
It would not be surprising if the Gunners had a look at Liam Delap either, as the Ipswich Town man will apparently be available for £30m if the Tractor Boys go down thanks to a clause in his contract.
However, Arsenal have been warned against signing the Englishman, and Berta has also been told that Arteta would need "convincing" to approve the signing of Gyokeres.
Ben Knapton
