Liverpool could hijack Arsenal move in €80m striker pursuit | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Move for Gyokeres as Attacking Shake-Up Looms

Gyokeres on shortlist amid looming Darwin exit

Liverpool’s ambition to stay at the pinnacle of English football has brought Viktor Gyokeres into focus. The Sporting striker is reportedly among a select group of names being considered to replace Darwin Núñez, who is expected to complete a move to Napoli.

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CM Jornal reports that Liverpool have been tracking Gyokeres for some time, with recent internal discussions accelerating their interest. Official approaches are understood to have taken place in recent days, with club emissaries checking Sporting’s firm stance on the €80 million release clause.

Sporting are adamant they will not negotiate below that figure. For Liverpool, who recently set a club record spending €135 million on Florian Wirtz, a move at such a high price would require funding through player sales. Darwin’s impending departure may help, and should Barcelona follow up their interest in Luis Díaz, Liverpool’s transfer war chest could be replenished quickly.

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Premier League appeal drives Gyokeres ambition

The Swedish international has made his intentions clear — he wants to play in the Premier League. His physicality, direct running and eye for goal make him a compelling option. He is also seen within Liverpool circles as a forward who can unlock tight games and provide an extra dimension, particularly in the Champions League, where Liverpool have lacked consistent firepower since their 2019 triumph.

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Arsenal and United interest adds urgency

Liverpool are not alone. Arsenal have already made an offer worth €65 million including bonuses, while Manchester United remain in the frame. With multiple suitors, Liverpool’s timing may be decisive.

Financial flexibility key to outcome

Whether or not Liverpool proceed will hinge on outgoing deals. Barcelona’s interest in Díaz could play a pivotal role in unlocking the funds required to meet Sporting’s valuation.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This potential move for Viktor Gyokeres is the kind of ambition you want to see if you are a Liverpool fan. If Darwin is moving on, Gyokeres offers that blend of raw power, pressing intensity and a nose for goal that fits the club’s identity. He is not a finesse player in the mould of Firmino, but more of a battering ram with finesse when needed — think a more refined version of what Divock Origi brought at his peak.

And with Arne Slot now at the helm, this could be a very deliberate fit. Gyokeres played under similar high-tempo systems at Coventry and Sporting, and you can already imagine him pulling centre-backs wide, creating gaps for runners like Szoboszlai and Wirtz.

The €80 million fee is steep, yes, but if they offload Darwin and even Luis Díaz to fund this, it feels smart business. Díaz has flair but Gyokeres brings end product. Plus, he wants the Premier League. He wants this. That matters.

This feels like a calculated pivot, not a panic buy. If Liverpool pull this off, it sends a clear message — they are not resting on their laurels, they’re reloading to defend the title and go again in Europe. That’s the energy this squad needs.