Arsenal Are Prepared To Make Signing Viktor Gyokeres A Top Priority Over Ivan Toney.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to give priority to a summer move for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international made the switch to Portugal from Coventry City ahead of this campaign.
Despite his previous stint in the Championship during the 2022-23 season, Gyokeres has seamlessly adapted to one of Europe’s top leagues. With 36 goals and 14 assists from 39 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old is now considered one of the most highly-regarded forwards on the continent.
While there have been conflicting reports regarding his potential asking price, recent speculation suggests that Sporting may be willing to sell for €50m (£42.86m) rather than sticking to a release clause twice that amount.
A more lenient approach from Sporting Lisbon would naturally attract more suitors to the table, including competition from clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, who are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
However, talkSPORT suggests that Arsenal is already gearing up to prioritize securing Gyokeres. According to the report, Mikel Arteta is leaning towards bringing Gyokeres back to English football rather than continuing to pursue Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
On Tuesday night, Toney scored his first goal for England from the penalty spot, helping the Three Lions secure a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Belgium.
Toney remains in the running for a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, although the 28-year-old has only managed to score four goals from 10 starts for Brentford since returning from an eight-month suspension in January.
Adding to his challenges, Toney has failed to find the net in his last five starts for the Bees, completing the full 90 minutes each time, indicating a dip in his current form.
Moreover, there have been ongoing suggestions that Toney could command a fee well exceeding £50m, despite his contract set to expire in 2025.
These factors may have led Arteta to consider alternative options in the upcoming transfer window, particularly as Arsenal must continue to adhere to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has recently expressed amusement at being linked with other clubs, although he emphasized his contentment with life at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
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