Expert: Arsenal 'closely watching' talent ripping it up in Portugal

Arsenal and Chelsea are “closely watching” Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of January.

That is according to former Coventry, Man United and Tottenham scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that both clubs are among a number of sides considering a big-money move.

However, he insisted that clubs would not be looking to trigger the 26-year-old’s £85million release clause and would instead attempt to negotiate a lower fee.

Both London clubs are considering buying a new striker in the January transfer window despite the impressive form of Kai Havertz and Nicolas Jackson respectively.

This comes after Football Insider revealed in September that Arsenal are continuing to monitor the striker and remain interested in his signature.

On top of that, Brown revealed to Football Insider on 9 October that the Gunners are plotting a move to sign a new striker in January.

Gyokeres is an outstanding candidate for the position after continuing last season’s sublime form with 11 goals and one assist in eight league games so far this year.

Arsenal and Chelsea race to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres

Since joining Sporting CP, the Sweden international boasts an excellent record of 55 goals and 18 assists in 61 games across all competitions.

Brown, who remains well-connected at Gyokeres’ former club Coventry as well as across the European game, explained that clubs have been tracking the striker since his departure from the Sky Blues in the summer of 2023.

“I was surprised he was allowed to go abroad in the first place,” he told Football Insider.

“When he left Coventry, I expected a Premier League club to swoop in for him because I was told there was plenty of interest.

“He’s a player I like from what I’ve seen of him, and I know some of the top clubs have been interested.

“Arsenal are one club who’ve been closely watching him in Portugal, and Chelsea too, but there are lots of clubs interested if he becomes available.

“But I don’t think any clubs would be willing to spend upwards of around £80million on him.

“It’s a big commitment to a player who, as good as he has been, is playing in a weaker league than the Premier League.

“Even during his time at Coventry, he was a very very good Championship player, but not one you’d say would be a game-changer for a real top side.

“That’s what they’ll be expecting with a fee like that, so I can’t see that happening unless they can bring that price tag down.”

In other news, Arsenal plan to sign Bukayo Saka replacement after injury update – Insider.

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The post Expert: Arsenal 'closely watching' talent ripping it up in Portugal appeared first on Football Insider.