Arsenal leading race to sign Viktor Gyokeres, willing to pay release clause
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres during this summer’s transfer window, according to Correio da Manha (page 10).
The Sweden international signed for the Primeira Liga club from Coventry City last summer and he has been in scintillating form throughout the campaign.
The 25-year-old has netted a staggering 36 goals from just 39 games in all competitions. He has also registered 14 assists for his teammates this term.
His excellent debut season in Portugal has impressed elite European clubs. It is reported that Arsenal are ‘at the head’ and are ‘willing to pay’ his €100 million release clause.
Gyokeres to Arsenal could become a reality
The former Brighton ace was brilliant for Coventry City in the Championship last season. He was ever-present, scoring 21 goals and providing 12 assists from 49 games.
Their failure to earn promotion via the play-offs contributed to his €24m switch to Sporting where he has been a revelation this season with 50 goal contributions thus far.
Aside from his goal involvements, Gyokeres has averaged almost 19 passes per outing, creating two chances. He has won an impressive 7.3 duels per outing with 2.3 take-ons.
The Swede has also made three ball recoveries on average, drawing 2.7 fouls. In our view, he is currently in the best phase of his career and is close to becoming a complete striker.
Of course, there will be doubts over whether he can succeed in England. Darwin Nunez had a 34-goal season at Benfica before his move to Liverpool where he had an average debut campaign.
Nunez has found his feet in his second year with 17 goals and 14 assists thus far. Gyokeres offers much more than the Uruguayan. He is better with the ball at his feet and can link-up effectively.
Gyokeres has an impressive shot-to-goal conversion rate of 27 per cent in the Portuguese top-flight. We won’t be surprised if Arsenal are prepared to splash the cash on him this summer.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
