Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres confirms nine-figure release clause ahead of Champions League debut
If Arsenal want to sign Viktor Gyokeres, it won't be cheap.
The Gunners have been linked to Sporting CP striker since he stunned Portugal with 43 goals in 50 games in his debut campaign.
The Swede lit up the country after joining Coventry Citywinning the League and the Golden Boot with relative ease.
But he's not just a one-season wonder, having scored eight goals in six to start the 2024/25 season, and looks to have already topped La Liga.
Gyokeres now has the chance to show Europe how good he is in the Champions League, with Sporting kicking off their campaign at home to Lilac.
Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old was given press conference duties as Ruben Amorim's star man and was asked about his €100m (£84m) release clause and whether it is too high.
“Good question… I don’t know,” he replied. “I don’t work at the club and I’m not a businessman, I’m not aware of that.”
“It's a lot, but I don't want to go anywhere. I'm happy at Sporting, it's not a problem for me to stay. My value is my value. Let's see if something happens.”
That means Arsenal could have to shell out a huge amount of money if they want to land the coveted number nine, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta's squad is still without a full-time centre-forward, after being linked with Ivan Toney for much of the summer.
Instead, they landed on another wide man as they took Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, while their other strikers, like Gabriel Jesus, are not true number 9s.
But Gyokeres is exactly that, a traditional goalscorer who loves to hit shots from anywhere.
2
Asked about his Champions League debut, he said: “All the players want to play in the Champions League, they have that dream. The team and I are looking forward to tomorrow. We have prepared well for the match and we are looking forward to it.”
“When I play I always want to score. I will try to do the same in the Champions League.”
Sporting will face PSV Eindhoven and Sturm Graz in Europe's premier club competition before taking on Manchester City and Arsenal.
Those games against the Premier League's top two clubs could decide where Gyokeres plays in the future.
A couple of stellar performances are likely to rekindle Arsenal's interest and perhaps attract other European giants.
To round off their Champions League campaign, they will face Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.
And Gyokeres will be vital throughout his continental experience.
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining 'THE DUGOUT' – our new panel of listeners.
Our aim is to take a deeper look at your perspectives and make sure talkSPORT is the best it can be. Your voice matters and we want to hear it!
Present your innovative ideas and participate in fun locker room polls, surveys and debates.
Just by joining, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, and you'll be entered into another draw for every survey you complete afterwards.
To join 'The DUGOUT' panel, please Click here.
