If Arsenal want to sign Viktor Gyokeres it won’t be cheap.
The Gunners have been linked to the Sporting CP striker since he stunned Portugal with 43 goals in 50 games in his debut campaign.
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The Swede lit up the country after joining from Coventry City, winning the league and Golden Boot with relative ease.
He’s proven he’s not merely a one-season sensation, with an impressive tally of eight goals in six matches kicking off the 2024/25 season, suggesting he might have already surpassed the competitive level of Liga Portugal.
Gyokeres now has the chance to show Europe how good he is in the Champions League, with Sporting kicking off their campaign at home to Lille.
Predictably, at 26 years of age, he was assigned press conference responsibilities as Ruben Amorim’s standout player, where he was questioned about his alleged €100 million [£84m] release clause and whether it’s excessive.
“Good question… I don’t know,” he responded. “I don’t work for the club or am a businessman, I’m not up to speed on that.
“It’s quite a sum, but I have no intentions of leaving. I’m content at Sporting, and staying is not an issue for me. My valuation is what it is. We’ll see if anything transpires.”
That means Arsenal could have to fork out huge money if they’re to land the coveted number nine who’s also been linked to Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s squad is still without an out-and-out centre forward, having been linked to Ivan Toney for much of the summer.
They instead landed on another wide man by taking Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, while their other forwards, like Gabirel Jesus, aren’t true No.9s.
Gyokeres is exactly that, though, a traditional goalscorer who loves to hammer in shots from anywhere.
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Asked about finally debuting in the Champions League, he said: “All players want to play in the Champions League, they have that dream. The team and I are looking forward to tomorrow. We prepared well for the game and we are looking forward to it.
“When I play I always want to score. I will try to do the same in the Champions League.”
Sporting face PSV Eindhoven and Sturm Graz in Europe’s top club competition before they face Manchester City and Arsenal.
Those games against the Premier League’s top two clubs could well decide where Gyokeres may play in the future.
A couple of stellar showings are likely to reignite Arsenal’s interest and perhaps entice other European giants.
To close out their Champions League exertions they face Club Brugge, RB Leipzig, and Bologna.
And Gyokeres will be vital throughout their continental experience.
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