SPORTING LISBON will remain firm on their valuation of Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres – with the intention of selling other first-team stars this summer instead.
The Gunners have scouted Swedish striker Gyokeres several times in the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.
Sporting are holding out for a huge fee on Viktor GyokeresCredit: AFPOther target Benjamin Sesko has decided to stay at RB LeipzigCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old – who netted 43 goals in 50 outings for Sporting in all competitions last season – has a release clause of around £85m.
Arsenal would want to negotiate a fee in the region of £50m-£60m, but the Portuguese giants – as things stand – are unwilling to let him leave on the cheap.
SunSport understands that Sporting are prepared to raise funds through the sale of other players in their ranks, including defenders Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio.
Fans say the same thing as Scott Parker earns shock move to Champions LeagueDiomande, 20, has admirers at the Emirates, with the Ivory Coast international valued at around £50m.
His contract expires in June 2027 and Manchester United are also keen.
Inacio, 22, has a £52m release clause that is up at the end of his deal, which is also in June 2027.
He is also a player that Arsenal scouts have kept an eye on recently.
The Gunners' summer striker target Benjamin Sesko, 20, scuppered plans by committing to Red Bull Leipzig until 2029, but there remains a desire in North London to strengthen their attack.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Gyokeres could come into play should Arsenal be willing to splash the cash, while the need for depth in wide areas could see the club take a different approach.
The likes of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, 23, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, 21, are also on the club's radar.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates
Lucas Perez pays part of own transfer fee to rejoin beloved Deportivo