Viktor Gyokeres' market value soars as Arsenal and Man United given transfer wake-up call

Arsenal have been given a wake-up call in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting CP striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for much of the summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack.

Gyokeres, whose his contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expires in June 2028, featured 33 times in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists. Leading Rui Borges' frontline, he fired the Lions to a second successive title.

The Sweden international also helped Sporting win the Taça de Portugal to clinch the domestic double. Gyokeres has caught the eye for a while now, attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

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football.london understands that the Gunners are long admirers of the 27-year-old, who first turned heads during his spell at Coventry City in the Championship a few years ago. Andre Berta is thought to be a 'big fan', but, as things stand, Arsenal are yet to submit an official offer.

The north Londoners could be inclined to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later as Gyokeres' market value continues to soar. At the start of June, the CIES Football Observatory priced the Swede between €57.9m and €70.8m (£49.9m and £61.1m).

Despite not having featured since, his stocks have climbed; Gyokeres is now priced between €60m and €79m (£51m and £68m). If his market value continues to grow, Arsenal or United could end up forking out far more for his signature than they initially anticipated.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo last week, the Sporting president provided an update on the striker's situation. Frederico Varandas said: "Firstly, Sporting is very calm about the Viktor Gyokeres case.

"Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, Sporting has gone through the phase where it always had to sell its main asset. We do not have to do this, but we are still sensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other player of ours.

"Sporting has a commitment, on my word, that after weeks of meetings, it will not ask for the value of the clause and will be reasonable in relation to the value requested for Viktor."

On Gyokeres' price tag, Varandas 'guaranteed' that Sporting won't accept a bid worth €70m (£60m). The Sporting president said: "I won't say what the amount is, it was communicated to the agent, the player knows.

"I can guarantee, with absolute certainty, that Viktor will not leave for 60+10 million euros. It's not about wanting to earn something, it's just that he won't leave, absolutely not."