Fabrizio Romano has now hinted that Arsenal will be holding talks about a big-money transfer today.
The Gunners are expected to have money to spend in the market this summer after deciding against making a signing in the January window.
Arsenal are likely to sign a striker who can impact the starting XI immediately, after quiet seasons from both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
A story from Football Transfers recently claimed that Sporting CP No.9 Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s No.1 target this summer – and Fabrizio Romano has now shared an interesting development about the Swedish striker…
Fabrizio Romano suggests Arsenal are involved in Viktor Gyokeres talks
Well, the reliable Italian journalist claimed earlier on Saturday that Hasan Çetinkaya – the Swede’s agent – will be in attendance as Sporting CP take on Benfica in Lisbon, where a “round of meetings” will take place with those keen to sign the prolific frontman.
Gyokeres has remarkably scored 36 goals in just 41 appearances this season – while also incredibly providing 15 assists as well.
Romano did not name Arsenal, although the volume of reports which state the Gunners are keen to sign the Sporting CP talisman would strongly suggest Edu will be involved in these meetings with Çetinkaya.
The Italian posted: “Viktor Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Çetinkaya, expected to be present at Sporting-Benfica game in Lisbon. Understand round of meetings set to take place with interested clubs for the striker with 51 G/A this season. Talks will be around €100m (£85m) price tag to make deal happen.”
As confirmed by Sporting CP at the time of the 25-year-old’s arrival in Lisbon, that £85m figure is actually a release clause.
Therefore, that sum is unlikely to go any higher, unless Arsenal’s competitors in the race to sign Gyokeres – Chelsea are also keen – decide to offer Sporting CP a larger fee to fend off competition.
Any agreement could see Arsenal No.14 depart
If Arsenal do manage to sign Gyokeres, we would expect Nketiah to depart.
The England international is not short of admirers, with Crystal Palace and Leicester City both keen to sign him this summer.
Nketiah has made just ten Premier League starts this season – most of which came at the start of the season – and does now appear to be surplus to requirements at Arsenal, especially if Gyokeres arrives at the Emirates Stadium.
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