Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with the Portuguese club prepared to do business at around £60 million, sources close to the deal said.
The 26-year-old Sweden international is one of three strikers shortlisted by the Gunners as they prioritise a proven goal-scorer for the upcoming season.
Gyokeres, who has netted 95 goals in 100 appearances for Sporting, would command a weekly wage in excess of £200,000, making him one of the club’s top earners.
While Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, Arsenal are believed to have made early enquiries and remain better positioned to complete the transfer swiftly.
Gyokeres is understood to have a release clause of €70 million (£60m), and with Sporting already planning a squad rebuild, there is pressure to finalise talks early to avoid a bidding war.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
However, Isak is unlikely to be available unless Newcastle miss out on Champions League football, while Sesko’s release clause is reportedly on the rise.
After two disappointing windows, Arsenal are under internal pressure to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad early, with a striker seen as central to improving next season’s title challenge.