Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal handed massive transfer boost as Sporting 'identify' replacement for £59.6m striker | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta is keen to add more firepower this summer with Gunners also looking at Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko

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Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, if reports are to be believed.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer and are said to have held extensive talks over both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is another name that has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal saw a bid rejected for the England international in the January transfer window.

That said, it would appear Mikel Arteta’s side have seen their chances of signing Gyokeres increase.

Gyokeres is currently involved in a bitter stand-off with Sporting, who may now have accepted their fate with regards to the prolific Swedish international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Portuguese champions have identified his likely successor in Almeria’s Luis Javier Suarez.

The Colombia international scored 27 goals in 41 Segunda Division appearances last season, but could be open to a move given Almeria were beaten by Santi Cazorla’s Real Oviedo in the promotion play-off semi-final.

Luis Javier Suarez could pave the way for Viktor Gyokeres to join Arsenal

Getty Images

Manchester United are also interested in Gyokeres, but his desire to play Champions League football next season has led to him 'officially rejecting' a move to Old Trafford and a reunion with former Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim.

Sporting are reportedly demanding at least €70million (£59.6m) to sell the Swede, though Arsenal may face competition from Premier League champions Liverpool who are said to be watching developments closely.

Elsewhere, the Gunners’ summer transfer business is beginning to take shape.

They hope to have a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard wrapped up by the weekend after moving quickly for the midfielder by tabling a £9.3million bid once it became clear that Thomas Partey is likely to depart once his contract expires at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the deal bringing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the club is expected to be announced in early July whilst goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to arrive from Chelsea, replacing Neto as the primary back-up for No1 David Raya.