MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 19:34:16| >> :120:6890:6890:

Arsenal transfer news: Sporting president refuses to rule out Viktor Gyokeres exit amid Gunners interest

Sporting president refuses to rule out Gyokeres exit amid Arsenal links
© Imago
Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas refuses to rule out a January departure for Viktor Gyokeres amid interest from Arsenal.

Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has refused to rule out a January exit for Viktor Gyokeres amid reported interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their centre-forward options which currently includes Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of possible targets, including Juventus' marksman Dusan Vlahovic, who could potentially be available on a cut-price deal in 2025.

They have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Gyokeres and were credited with an interest in the summer transfer window.

While they were put off by the player's £86m release clause, they continue to be linked with Sporting's prolific marksman ahead of the January window.

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) celebrates after scoring goal during Liga Portugal game between teams of SC Farense and Sporting CP on August 20, 2024© Imago

Sporting president refuses to rule out Gyokeres departure

Sporting's president has now commented on the possibility of his star striker leaving in the winter transfer market.

Varandas acknowledged that a departure would be "difficult", but he stopped short of refusing to rule out a January exit for Gyokeres.

"I would say it is very, very, very difficult," Varandas told RTP. "There is nothing impossible in life, but I would say it is very, very, very difficult.

"He has scored many, he continues to score, it would be very, very, very difficult, very difficult."

Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres pictured on August 31, 2024© Imago

Why are Arsenal interested in Gyokeres?

While it remains to be seen whether Gyokeres leaves in January, it is clear why he has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and several other top European clubs.

After joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, the Sweden international went on to rack up 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances during his first season with the Portuguese giants.

Gyokeres has carried his impressive form into the new season, having scored 12 goals in as many matches, including 11 strikes in eight league appearances.

The 26-year-old has also showcased his goalscoring talent at international level, netting four goals in Sweden's opening four games of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.

Gyokeres will get the chance to impress Arsenal when Sporting take on Mikel Arteta's side in a Champions League clash on November 26.

ID:556056:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4375:

Click here for more stories about Kai Havertz

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic on October 20, 2024
Read Next:
Why Arsenal could land Vlahovic in cut-price deal?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!