SPORTING LISBON will remain firm on their valuation of Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres – with the intention of selling other first-team stars this summer instead.
The Gunners have scouted Swedish striker Gyokeres several times in the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.
AFPSporting are holding out for a huge fee on Viktor Gyokeres[/caption]
GettyOther target Benjamin Sesko has decided to stay at RB Leipzig[/caption]
The 26-year-old – who netted 43 goals in 50 outings for Sporting in all competitions last season – has a release clause of around £85m.
Arsenal would want to negotiate a fee in the region of £50m-£60m, but the Portuguese giants – as things stand – are unwilling to let him leave on the cheap.
SunSport understands that Sporting are prepared to raise funds through the sale of other players in their ranks, including defenders Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio.
Diomande, 20, has admirers at the Emirates, with the Ivory Coast international valued at around £50m.
His contract expires in June 2027 and Manchester United are also keen.
Inacio, 22, has a £52m release clause that is up at the end of his deal, which is also in June 2027.
He is also a player that Arsenal scouts have kept an eye on recently.
The Gunners’ summer striker target Benjamin Sesko, 20, scuppered plans by committing to Red Bull Leipzig until 2029, but there remains a desire in North London to strengthen their attack.
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Gyokeres could come into play should Arsenal be willing to splash the cash, while the need for depth in wide areas could see the club take a different approach.
The likes of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, 23, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, 21, are also on the club’s radar.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates
Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important player
By Dean Scoggins
KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
But has now well and truly found his feet.
The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.