Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the race for Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Sporting CP’s prolific striker, Viktor Gyokeres amidst
interest from Liverpool. With a sizeable opening bid in the works, the Gunners seem to be edging out Liverpool, whose chances of landing the Swedish forward are dwindling.
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Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe’s top strikers following a sensational first season in Portugal. The 26-year-old scored an impressive 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for Sporting CP in 2023/24. His goal contribution rate of nearly one per game has caught the attention of several top clubs, making him a hot commodity this transfer window.
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Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, were recently touted as a potential suitor for Gyokeres. The Reds are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer, but it seems their interest in the Swedish striker is not as strong as initially believed. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are not planning a bid for Gyokeres at this time.
Slot appears content to rely on current No. 9 Darwin Nunez and has prioritized strengthening other areas of the squad, particularly in defence and midfield. This decision has allowed Arsenal to take the lead in the race for Gyokeres, with sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta keen on adding the striker to their ranks. The Swede could certainly give the Gunners a massive boost in the final third.The Gunners are prepared to make a £55–60 million opening bid for Gyokeres, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, Gyokeres’ contract contains a significant €100 million (£84.6 million) release clause that protects Sporting CP, indicating that negotiations may be difficult.WIn spite of this, Arsenal is keen to sign the Swedish international in order to bolster their offensive capabilities and challenge the dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League. Given that Eddie Nketiah is expected to leave, Arsenal may be making a play to get Gyokeres soon. Gyokeres, a former player for Coventry City and Brighton & Hove Albion, is already acquainted with the English game.Although losing out on Viktor Gyokeres may seem like a loss for Liverpool, it actually shows the team’s confidence in Nunez and his future. The Uruguayan player possesses the necessary minerals, and if Slot can to unlock him similarly to how he did with Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord Rotterdam, the Reds will have a prolific marksman who, on his best day, might be unstoppable.
If necessary, Cpody Gakpo and Diogo Jota can also play up front. After Jayden Danns demonstrated his clinical ability the previous season, the Reds don’t need to spend big money on another forward.
