Liverpool are preparing a sensational hijack of Arsenal and Manchester United’s move for Viktor Gyokeres as Arne Slot continues his dramatic summer squad overhaul.
The Swede, who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season, has been at the centre of an extended and acrimonious transfer saga this summer. He has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League, publicly sparring with the Sporting hierarchy who stand in his way.
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Standard Sport understands Arsenal and Man United had been leading the race for Gyokeres, but Liverpool’s sudden interest will disrupt their negotiations.
According to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, Gyokeres has been earmarked as an ideal replacement for the misfiring Darwin Nunez, who is set to join Napoli this summer.
The report claims that Liverpool have asked their representatives to confirm Sporting’s asking price, thought to be €80m (£68.4m). No offer has yet been made.
That price is well within Liverpool’s means amid reports the Reds could spend a further £200m this summer without violating profit and sustainability rules.
Arsenal offered €55m plus €10m in add-ons earlier this month, and are not thought to be interested in improving on that offer. They are also in talks to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, though his wage demands have caused a slowdown in negotiations.
Gyokeres reportedly informed his inner circle that he had chosen to join Arsenal last week, but could be tempted away from the Emirates by Liverpool’s offer.
To play Champions League football is his priority, though, and Liverpool may present a better shot at lifting the title as they invest heavily in squad development this summer.
They broke the British transfer record to bring in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month in a deal which will total £116m if add-ons are triggered.
The Reds are also reported to be interested in Alexander Isak as a Nunez replacement, but would require a bid in the region of £150m to unseat him from Newcastle. Other striker targets include Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi are also on their shortlist.
