According to Alex Crook on TalkSport, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to join Arsenal in the coming period. The 27-year-old Manchester United striker target has reportedly told friends and family that he expects to link up with the Gunners amid growing speculation surrounding his future at Sporting CP.
Arsenal fans are tired at this point with the striker choices in front of them, as some are leaning towards Viktor Gyokeres while others prefer Benjamin Sesko. New sporting director Andrea Berta has been negotiating parallelly for both forwards, with only one expected to arrive this summer.
Every passing day brings a new update that makes one or the other forward close to signing for Arsenal. Today it’s Gyokeres, as TalkSport’s Alex Crook made a huge claim on the Swedish striker, as he stated that the 27-year-old Manchester United striker target has told his friends and family that he expects to join Arsenal.
Crook said, “I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal.
“We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well, obviously there is that pre-existing relationship with Ruben Amorim. “But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season.”
Meanwhile, Crook also touched on Sporting CP’s new asking price, as he expects the Portuguese side to play ‘hardball’ in negotiations for Gyokeres. Arsenal have reportedly made a take-it-or-leave-it offer, which also indicates how much they are willing to pay for the striker.
He continued, “But Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m.”
“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”
Following a rather public spat between Gyokeres and Sporting CP, the Portuguese side are indeed playing ‘hardball’ as they are eager to squeeze the best value possible for the striker. Manchester United are still hopeful he might choose them despite reports claiming that the Swede had already turned them down in favour of Arsenal.
Fresh reports even went on to state that Gyokeres could force an exit from the club to hasten a sale, although those stories are still considered rumours more than anything. If Crook’s comments are true, then the 27-year-old might be inching closer to joining Arsenal, which would be good business for Mikel Arteta’s side.
