Arsenal’s Premier League rivals believe the Gunners will win the race for Sporting striker Victor Gyokeres, talkSPORT understands.
Mikel Arteta has made Gyokeres a priority target ahead of the summer transfer window and the hotshot Swede is open to the move.
The Sporting Lisbon star is one of the most sought-after strikers in European football amid two stunning campaigns in Portugal.
Since signing from Coventry City in July 2023, Gyokeres has scored 95 goals and assisted another 27 in 99 appearances in all competitions.
Over half of his contributions have come this season, with his 52 goals and 15 assists including seven hat-tricks.
And he is incredibly on course to become the first player outside of Europe’s top five leagues to win the European Golden Boot in 23 years.
Arsenal hold long-term interest in the Sweden international as they eye a much-needed striker signing in the summer.
United are also keen on the 26-year-old, and their head coach Ruben Amorim has already worked with Gyokeres at Sporting.
However, the forward favours a move to north London over a reunion with Amorim at Old Trafford.
Arsenal are also understood to be frontrunners and are confident of signing Gyokeres when the summer transfer window opens.
talkSPORT reported in March that Sporting are willing to sell him for £58.5million, which is around £25m below his release clause.
Sporting are planning for a summer sale and have agreed to sanction a deal that is below the amount stated in his contract at the club.
Gyokeres would therefore be a much cheaper acquisition than fellow target Alexander Isak, who has been valued at £150m by Newcastle.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is a known huge admirer of Gyokeres.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig has also been a speculated name ahead of the transfer market reopening, but it appears that Arsenal are prioritising a move for Gyokeres.
Gyokeres was asked about a move to the Emirates last month, but he remained tight-lipped over his future.
Pressed as to whether he likes London, with a smile on his face, he simply stated: “I like Lisbon.”
When commenting on his reported gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that he can leave in the upcoming window, Gyokeres remarked: “I can’t say anything about that.”
Before adding: “No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment.”
Arsenal could be set to spend big for the 2025/26 campaign, with talkSPORT reporting in January how a deal has been agreed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners are on course to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive year.
However, Mikel Arteta‘s side are winless in their last four matches in all competitions and only three points ahead of Manchester City.
Arsenal were also knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain at the semi-final stage on Wednesday night.
A 3-1 aggregate loss over the two legs means they will go trophyless for a fifth consecutive season.
