Arsenal links persist for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal remain interested in Viktor Gyokeres but the Sporting Lisbon striker’s pricetag has led the Gunners to ‘prioritise’ a bargain alternative in January

Mikel Arteta opted against bringing in a new striker this summer despite seeing Eddie Nketiah leave for Crystal Palace and the Arsenal boss has so far been rewarded for his loyalty to his current forwards, with Kai Havertz scoring twice in his opening two Premier League appearances this season.

However, a striker is still believed to be top of Arsenal’s agenda and Gyokeres has been one of the strongest links to the Emirates after a prolific debut season in Portugal.

The 26-year-old grabbed 29 goals and 10 assists in 33 appearances last season and he has continued his blistering form this season, netting eight times in Sporting’s first five games of the new campaign.

But with Sporting insisting on selling Gyokeres for no less than his reported €100 million release clause, Arsenal have turned their attention to another striker who could provide firepower in their push for the title this season.