Arsenal in major Viktor Gyokeres transfer breakthrough as Sporting Lisbon agree striker deal

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres after it emerged that Sporting Lisbon are closing in on a deal for his replacement. The Gunners are desperate to sign a new striker this summer and have settled on Gyokeres as their top target.

The 27-year-old has netted 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting since joining the club from Coventry back in 2023 and he has made it clear that he wants to join the Gunners. However, Arsenal have so far failed to reach a full agreement with Sporting over the make-up of the fee.

And there have been reports that Manchester United could hijack the deal, who are said to have made a late bid for Gyokeres. While it remains to be seen what the future holds for the striker, Sporting are attempting to finalise a deal for his replacement.

According to reports from Portugal, Sporting are in negotiations with Almeria about signing Luis Suarez. The report states that Sporting have 'rushed into talks' over a deal for the former Watford striker.

It is claimed that Suarez has a €40million (£34.6m) release clause, having been the top scorer in Spain's Segunda Division last season with 27 goals in 41 games.

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It comes as Sporting continue to play hardball with Arsenal over Gyokeres, with club president Frederico Varandas stating: If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're very comfortable with that for the next three years.

"This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are. We're calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.

He added: "One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m+10m because I never promised him that.

"This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyokeres, neither today nor last season."

Gyokores has since gone on strike and refused to turn up for pre-season, with reports stating that his legal representatives have sent a letter to the club blaming Varandas for the situation and claiming that he has gone back on his word.

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