Arsenal learn new Viktor Gyokeres transfer update after two-word message
Barcelona have reportedly identified Viktor Gyokeres as their long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
football.london understands the Sweden international is someone Arsenal held an interest in last year ahead of the summer transfer window. The striker is said to have several suitors, with Atletico Madrid reputedly another.
However, unlike in north London, one of Europe's top goalscorers is already at Barcelona. Lewandowski has scored 29 times in 30 appearances across all competitions this season despite turning 36 during its opening weeks.
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Gyokeres is a decade younger than the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund centre-forward but has a similarly impressive goalscoring record this term. Playing in Portugal for Sporting CP, he has 34 goals in 33 games despite Ruben Amorim departing.
FCBN reports that the Catalan club has chosen Gyokeres as the striker to strengthen their attack and are accelerating attempts to sign the player. Head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco reputedly agree he is the ideal candidate.
Gyokeres has a £84million release clause in his contract, but there are claims Sporting CP could accept closer to £63million. However, it seems unlikely that any move will happen this month, with a summer transfer appearing more likely with less than a week remaining of the winter window.
The player looks set to stay in Lisbon for at least another six months and remains crucial for his current club's title defence. Gyokeres assisted the opening goal in last weekend's 2-0 win over Nacional that moved Sporting CP six points clear atop the table after capitalising on Benfica being beaten 3-1 by Casa Pia.
Afterwards, he posted "Let's go" on his Instagram story alongside a photo of him at their Jose Alvalade Stadium. The player also acknowledged late last year: "I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here."
