As per Portuguese media outlet Correio de Manha, Arsenal have made a formal €75m offer for Sporting CP winger Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old. However, there is no certainty that their bid will be accepted by Sporting.
According to the report, Arsenal are leading the race for Gyokeres’ services. However, concerns still remain in North London. The Gunners believe Chelsea will hijack the bid by outspending them and triggering Gyokeres’s €100m release clause.
The 26-year-old striker has been at his best this season, finding the net 52 times in 49 matches across all competitions, 38 of those goals coming in the league. His displays have made him one of the most desired strikers in Europe. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be a big fan of Gyokeres and would be eager to sign him at the Emirates Stadium.
Could Arsenal’s Bid be Accepted Before Chelsea Make Their Move?
Even if Arsenal’s first bid does not come close to the release clause, there are rumours of a gentleman’s agreement in place. Reports have been circulating that this could see Gyokeres depart for €60–70 million. Sporting CP are keeping their fingers crossed for a premium, though, hoping that interest from the likes of Chelsea will trigger a bidding war.
The Blues are in urgent need of an experienced striker and are closely monitoring events. They could even shell out the full release clause to bring in Gyokeres. Arsenal, with information of this probability, are eager to finalize the deal as early as possible to not lose their first-choice target.
Apart from Gyokeres, the Gunners are also said to be signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as part of an overall plan to bolster the side. Meanwhile, the Blues’ recruitment policy remains focused on young talent who can fit into the first team.
