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Arsenal have reportedly received a boost as they eye a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, a Chelsea and Barcelona target. The 26-year-old has been with his current side since last summer after arriving from Coventry City.
Gyokeres is coming off a rousing debut season with Sporting, registering 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games across competitions. That includes 29 goals and nine assists in 33 outings in his side's triumphant Primeira Liga campaign.
The Sweden international - who won the Golden Boot in the league - also produced six goals and four assists in six outings in the Taca de Portugal, where Sporting lost 2-1 to Porto in extra time in the final.
However, despite reports of his imminent move to the Gunners this summer, a move didn't materialise, leaving the player 'disappointed'.
As reported by Football Transfers, though, Gyokeres remains in the Gunners' shortlist and could arrive at the Emirates in January when the transfer window reopens. The report says that Sporting are likely to sell the striker for less than his release clause of €100 million.
Meanwhile, the Chelsea target has started the new season from where he had left off the previous campaign, registering eight goals and three assists in six games across competitions. All eight goals and one assist have come in five games in the league, where Sporting lead Porto by three points after five rounds of matches.
In the absence of a bonafide No. 9, Gyokeres could be a fabulous addition at the Emirates as Arsenal seek to end a 21-year Premier League title drought.
What's next for Arsenal and Chelsea?
Arsenal have had a good start to their new campaign, going unbeaten in four league games to go second in the standings, two points off four-time defending champions Manchester City.
The Gunners registered successive 2-0 wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home and Aston Villa away before drawing 1-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Mikel Arteta's side returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
They next travel to reigning UEFA Europa League champions Atalanta on Thursday for their UEFA Champions League opener.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have had a stuttering start to their campaign under new boss Enzo Maresca. After losing 2-0 at home to holders City, they beat Servette 2-1 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Europa Conference League finals.
In the league, Chelsea have won 6-2 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, drew 1-1 at home to Crystal Palace and won 1-0 at Bournemouth at the weekend. They next take on West Ham United away in the league on Saturday.
