Arsenal and Man Utd have both been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Getty)
are reportedly preparing to splash out on a new striker. But one of Europe’s hottest centre-forwards, who has recently been linked with a move to north London, does not quite cut it for senior figures at the Emirates Stadium.
has stuck with as his starting frontman this campaign. And while the German is holding his own with five goals in 15 games, there is a belief in north London that greater firepower will be required moving forward.
According to , the Gunners are putting plans in place to go big on a new attacking focal point at some point over the next 12 months.
United star Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko are both long-standing targets. But another name to have been thrown into the mix in recent weeks is Sporting’s red-hot goal machine Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish international’s scoring form has slowed slightly since manager left the Lisbon giants to take over at . But he still boasts a mind-boggling 18 goals in 14 league games this season, as well as five in six European ties.
Those numbers have top European sides clamouring to get a piece of Gyokeres. But have reservations about a big-money move for the 26-year-old.
Sporting would be open to selling Viktor Gyokeres for £63m, according to reports (Image: Getty)
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For one, his is a huge financial commitment. And even if Sporting would be willing to accept less – with a price tag touted – it is still a large financial outlay for a player who will be 27 by the time next season gets underway.
In addition, the Gunners are reportedly skeptical about whether Gyokeres can replicate his Portuguese strike rate in a top European league. He was playing Championship football with Coventry City as recently as last year, and he left with 38 goals in 91 second-tier games.
backing out of a move for Gyokeres entirely would up the stakes for Amorim. United have also been heavily linked with a deal that would reunite their new manager with the striker who fired him to the Liga Portugal title last season.
If the boss himself pushes for the move, it will be his neck on the line – particularly if a rival like has concerns over whether he can cut it in the English top flight.
was put under extra pressure after spending United’s cash on a hoard of players he had worked with in the past, and not all of them worked out. Amorim will be keen to avoid putting himself in the same position.