Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Sporting take telling transfer action after huge update

Arsenal are waiting patiently to wrap up their long-awaited deal to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the Portuguese club are making moves of their own to replace the Sweden star

Sporting Lisbon have submitted a bid worth around £20million for Almeria striker Luis Javier Suarez as they look to quickly replace Viktor Gyokeres, who is closing in on a move to Arsenal.

Sporting have been in negotiations with the Gunners over Gyokeres for weeks and have been pushing for the highest fee possible for a player who netted 54 goals in 52 games last season.

They have finally agreed on a fee that could rise to around £63.8m with add-ons, though Arsenal are still trying to rubber-stamp the structure of those bonuses in the deal.

A conclusion to lengthy talks is thought to be “imminent”, according to the Athletic, with an official announcement on the deal expected soon.

Sporting have wasted little time trying to get a replacement in for the Sweden international as they line up Suarez, who netted 31 times for Almeria in the Spanish Segunda Division last season.

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The Colombian has been something of a journeyman during his career, having previously played for Watford, Granada and Marseille.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting have made a bid of around £15.6m for Suarez, with £4.3m in add-ons knowing that their star striker will soon be on his way out.

It says Suarez has already said “yes” to becoming Gyokeres’ replacement and hopes the two clubs can strike an agreement soon – though for now he has travelled with the club for their pre-season camp in Marbella.

Gyokeres is expected to wrap up his move to Arsenal regardless of Sporting’s deal for Suarez as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta bids to secure the signature of a top level striker that he hopes can fire them to the Premier League title.

Arsenal sorely missed the presence of a reliable No 9 last season as Liverpool pipped them to the title and his arrival would be another ambition signing following deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke, while defender Cristhian Mosquera is also on his way.

When asked about the possible arrival of Gyokeres, Arteta refused to comment as he prepares for the start of their pre-season tour in Asia – starting in Singapore.

“I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that.

“We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.”

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