Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest

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Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most in-demand strikers this summer transfer window after scoring 63 goals for club and country last season.

The expectation is that Gyokeres will leave Sporting CP after spending two campaigns playing in Portugal. His contract includes a €100million (£84million) release clause, but there is reportedly a verbal gentleman's agreement with the Lisbon-based club to negotiate a transfer fee below that value.

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all credited with an interest in Gyokeres. However, it now appears Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta have unanimously decided which centre-forward to prioritise signing.

football.london understands the club are pressing ahead with a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko. He and Gyokeres have been thoroughly considered and scouted by the club for over a year.

They contemplated them as possible additions last summer, with Sesko then and now always being the front runner. There is a belief that the Slovenia international is better suited stylistically to how the manager works.

One difference is said to be how Gyokeres struggles aerially. Sesko performing in one of Europe's top five leagues is also critical in deciding who to pursue most seriously first.

The Sweden international being five years older means investing in the latter at 22 is considered more sensible from a value perspective. A risk assessment landed heavily in favour of Sesko.

That is despite Gyokeres reportedly fancying a move to Arsenal out of all the clubs credited with an interest in him, with the Gunners able to offer Champions League football. The Mirror claims Sporting CP believe the player prefers the Premier League over Italy and Spain.

Homesickness is also not set to be an issue with the striker either. During a recent interview with Vogue Scandinavia, he made clear there are no plans to return to the region anytime soon.

"After living in a warm country, it would be difficult," Gyokeres said. "In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialise on the weekends.

"Here, [in Portugal], there is more life during the week. They have dinners with friends and a glass of wine on Monday. I like that."

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