Arsenal receive timely boost in Gyokeres race as Sporting intensify search for replacement | OneFootball

Arsenal have received a massive boost in their bid to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese club have started looking for a new striker, opening the door for Gyokeres to join Arsenal.

Arsenal and Sporting have been in a transfer tussle over Gyokeres since the start of the transfer window.

Sporting have conceded they will part ways with the prolific striker this summer, but will only sanction a sale on their own terms.

Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal, but Sporting are playing hardball over the transfer fee.

Arsenal submitted an opening bid worth £55.5 million earlier this month. But it wasn’t enough to appease Sporting, who are holding out for at least £68m.

The Premier League runners-up are expected to make a revised bid for Gyokeres. But it is unclear if they will meet Sporting’s asking price.

Gyokeres cemented his position as one of the most lethal strikers on the continent last season. He bagged 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games in all competitions.

He fired Sporting to the Primera Liga title with 39 goals in 33 appearances, but that could be his final contribution to the club as he prepares for a new chapter.

Several Premier League clubs admire Gyokeres. He has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. But he has made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal.

The Swedish striker is doing his best to force a move. He has told Sporting that he does not plan on returning to the fold for pre-season.

Considering how much he wants the move to the Emirates Stadium, personal terms should be a formality.

All that remains now is for Arsenal to find common ground with Sporting over the transfer fee.