Arsenal & Chelsea's current thinking on Viktor Gyokeres transfer
- Gyokeres has been in unbelievable form since joining Sporting CP last summer
- 25-year-old's €100m release clause a concern for suitors
- Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Joshua Zirkzee & Benjamin Sekso all admired by elite sides
By Tom Gott, Ben Jacobs
Arsenal and Chelsea have both scouted Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres but are not currently prioritising moves for the Sweden international, 90min understands.
Gyokeres joined Sporting CP from Championship side Coventry City last summer and has been in unbelievable form for his new side, racking up 30 goals and 11 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Such form has obviously caught the eye of most of Europe's elite and 90min understands that both Arsenal and Chelsea have been following his form closely, although neither have placed the 25-year-old at the top of their wish lists or advanced anything yet.
Clubs expect a merry-go-round of strikers this summer, with the likes of Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Brentford's Ivan Toney and Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee all likely to be available at the end of the season, and sources stress that Gyokeres is seen by many as a top talent but not necessarily at good value given the price Sporting will ask.
Sporting are expected to be firm with their stance on Gyokeres having pointed to the €100m (£86m) release clause in his contract in January.
While Chelsea are prepared to pay such a sum to land a new striker, sources expect the Blues to focus on Osimhen, whose Napoli contract includes a release clause worth over £100m. Reports of a €85m (£73m) bid for Gyokeres in January have been firmly denied. In fact, Chelsea sources downplayed their overall interest. Brighton's Evan Ferguson is another possibility for Chelsea as well.
Similarly, Arsenal have tracked Gyokeres but have not advanced their interest further at this point. The Gunners remain admirers of Toney and cannot be discounted in the race for Osimhen's signature, while Zirkzee is also on their radar.
With several clubs expected to chase new strikers this summer, there is expected to be significant money invested in the transfer market and so a surprise suitor for Gyokeres cannot be ruled out. Milan could be one to watch if they lose Rafael Leao.
A return to England for the former Brighton, Coventry and Swansea striker is far from a guarantee at this point, with teams across Europe all waiting to see how the richest sides opt to spend their money and what kind of merry-go-round of movement that initiates.
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