Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres has made his feelings clear as the club plan for the summer transfer window
Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
Arsenal are gearing up to continue their title charge as the club return to Premier League action. Mikel Arteta’s side welcome Bournemouth on Saturday as the Gunners aim to strengthen their position at the summit.
The club currently hold a nine-point advantage over rivals Manchester City, who have a game in hand on Arsenal. The next game against the Cherries could help the Gunners build on their dramatic midweek victory over Sporting CP.
Arteta’s men struck late to secure an advantage in the Champions League quarter-final ahead of the return leg. The occasion held particular significance for Viktor Gyokeres as the Swedish forward faced his former side.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are formulating their strategy ahead of the summer transfer window and have been linked with a highly-rated Brazilian teenager. Here, football.london examines some of the stories surrounding the Gunners.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Viktor Gyokeres’ transfer feelings clear
Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a remarkable stint with Sporting CP, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances, which resulted in a high-profile transfer to Arsenal last summer. The 27-year-old was beloved in Lisbon, though the circumstances of his eventual departure could have changed that relationship.
The striker was at the centre of a protracted summer transfer saga that reportedly saw Gyokeres go on strike in a bid to force through his move to the Gunners. Sporting president made his position clear at the time: “If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’ll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.”
Despite his time at the Portuguese club ending on a somewhat bitter note, Gyokeres showed that he harboured no resentment towards Sporting during Arsenal’s Champions League encounter. Footage on social media showed the forward choosing not to celebrate Kai Havertz’s late winner alongside his team-mates, seemingly out of respect for his former club.
After this gesture, Gyokeres posted on social media: “Great feeling being back to this special place with a lot of memories. Thanks for the reception, on to the next one.”
Brazilian transfer target emerges
Arsenal have been credited with interest in Sao Paulo teenager Lucca Marques. The 18-year-old has attracted attention after breaking into the Brazilian club’s first team.
German outlet Sports picture reports that the Gunners are competing with Borussia Dortmund for Lucca’s services. He has an estimated valuation of£2.6million, although Sao Paulo would expect a substantially higher sum.
While interest from other European sides exists, Sport Bild maintains that Arsenal are the most advanced in discussions. The Brazil U20 international’s current deal runs until 2028.
He is currently unavailable due to a thigh problem, restricting him to just six outings this season. In total, Lucca has featured 16 times for Sao Paulo, scoring his first senior goal against Libertad in the Copa Libertadores last May.
Up to 70% off Arsenal kits and merch
Kitbag has slashed the price of Arsenal kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.
