Arsenal have received a major boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the striker from Sporting Lisbon after he scored 43 goals in 50 games in an incredible debut season in Portugal.
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Gyokeres has taken the Primeira Liga by storm since joining from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, winning the league title and the Golden Boot last season.
With eleven goals in eight league games so far, he started this season in similarly overwhelming form.
It is widely speculated that last season’s runners-up are big admirers of the 26-year-old, who is believed to have a net worth of €100 million [£84m] Get out clause.
Gyokeres has previously suggested that the huge sum is likely to deter teams from moving for him in the summer.
But the Gunners may not need to spend quite as much now if they want to secure the Swede’s services in the future.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Sporting are now willing to sell the in-demand center forward for less than €100 million, but only in next summer’s transfer window.
The news publication added that any clubs wishing to sign Gyokeres in January will have to pay his release clause in full.
It said: “Sporting is ready to negotiate with Viktor Gyokeres for less than 100 million euros… but only in the summer.”
“In the winter transfer window, which begins in January 2025, the Sporting administration considers the 26-year-old Swedish goalscorer to be non-negotiable.”
“In other words: If big names from the strongest and richest European leagues want to sign the striker now, they will have to pay the multi-million dollar value of the release clause.”
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“If you want to sign the Lions’ number 9 cheaper, you’ll have to wait until 2025/2026.”
This news could be a huge boost for Arsenal, who remain without a true centre-forward.
Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with Ivan Toney in the summer, who eventually moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, with current strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz not being natural No.9s.
However, if they want to try and bring in Gyokeres, who has reportedly also been on Chelsea’s radar, they could well face stiff competition.
In the same article, A Bola suggested that Premier League rivals Manchester City could play for the ex-Brightoner if Erling Haaland decides to leave the Premier League champions.
This comes after Spanish newspaper El Nacional reported that the Norwegian goalscorer had made the decision to leave England next summer in search of a new challenge.
With City agreeing to appoint Hugo Viana from Sporting as their new sporting director ahead of the 2025/26 season, this should also play into their hands in their pursuit of Gyokeres.
In addition to his impressive goalscoring exploits in Portugal, the Stockholm-born striker also has strong numbers in England.
In the 2022/23 season he scored 21 goals in 46 Championship games for Coventry, who he joined from Brighton in 2021 after making no league appearances.
This then prompted his move from Sporting, who signed him in a deal worth up to €24 million, a record for a departing Coventry player.