Arsenal discover £18m Viktor Gyokeres boost despite Liverpool alarm bells

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.

Arsenal have reportedly been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, despite concerns triggered by Liverpool’s past experiences in the Portuguese market. The Swedish forward, who has flourished since leaving Coventry City for Sporting, is being closely monitored by Arsenal as they seek a prolific centre-forward to elevate Mikel Arteta’s attack.

Gyökeres has developed into one of Europe’s most effective number nines, combining physical presence, relentless work rate and sharp movement with a high output of goals and assists. His displays in Portugal have seen his value soar, with an £18 million figure highlighted as a potential opening or historic valuation that now appears relatively modest given his current form and market status. This is seen as an “£18m boost” for Arsenal in the sense that his original cost and contract structure at Sporting may give the Gunners encouragement that a deal is realistically negotiable compared with some elite strikers’ prices.

However, the situation is complicated by “alarm bells” from Liverpool’s previous dealings in Portugal. The article notes that while Liverpool have had success recruiting from the Primeira Liga, they have also encountered challenges when translating Portuguese form to Premier League consistency, especially when big fees are involved. Those experiences serve as a cautionary example for Arsenal, underlining the risk of overpaying based purely on outstanding numbers in a different league and tactical environment.

Even so, Arsenal’s hierarchy believe Gyökeres’ attributes are well-suited to Arteta’s system. His pressing intensity, link-up play and ability to attack crosses could complement the existing attacking cast and provide a more traditional focal point than Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah. With Sporting expected to demand a substantial transfer fee, Arsenal must weigh the financial risk against the potential reward of securing a striker entering his prime. The “boost” lies in the belief that Gyökeres may be attainable at a cost still below some of Europe’s other top forwards, despite the warning signs raised by Liverpool’s previous Portuguese ventures.