Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has finally responded to rumours surrounding a potential move to the Premier League as Arsenal and Chelsea try to chase the in-form frontman.
The Swedish international has notched 41 goals and 15 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and stands head and shoulders above Braga’s Simon Banza for the Liga Portugal’s Golden Boot race with a six-goal lead with two matches to play.
Gyokeres has been instrumental in helping Ruben Amorim’s side win their second Liga Portugal title in the last three years, with the club having not lost a league match since the start of December. Having joined from Coventry City where he lit up the Championship just 12 months ago with a 22-goal season, it’s believed the Portuguese side will be hanging onto the star’s £85m (€100m) release clause in his contract if any club was to come after the star.
Both the Gunners and the Blues could be possible destinations, with Chelsea still said to be in the market for a striker with other options including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen on the cards. Despite Nicolas Jackson’s up-and-down start to life in the Premier League, his 14 goals for Mauricio Pochettino’s side so far this season indicates there’s room for growth in the Senegalese international who could lead their frontline for some years to come with his eight-year deal in full swing.
That could mean Mikel Arteta and his side are in the driving seat in terms of trying to get a deal over the line but they’d have to splash significant cash to get anything penned. Having already dropped £65m on Kai Havertz who has done well to find a comfortable spot at the Emirates Stadium so far this season, it’s believed that the Gunners’ main focus is still a new centre-forward this summer and Gyokeres could be that superstar they need as a central focus point.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday night on the possibility of working with Amorim next season, the Swedish international didn’t make any promises to Sporting fans about whether he’d stick around for next season, fuelling rumours of a potential move to the Premier League. He said: “He’s a very good coach, I like him and I wouldn’t mind [working with him next year]. It’s football, it’s normal. I can’t promise anything.
“I would like to stay, I like being here and wouldn’t mind it but in football everything happens quick and we have to adapt. I can’t make any promises, it’s difficult, there are still games left to play this season. We’ll see.
