Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres continues to show exactly why the Gunners have been so heavily linked with a transfer for the striker.
The Swedish international missed the latter half of last season through injury, with some concerns over whether he would hit the heights again.
He has done just that though, scoring seven goals in four league games for Sporting CP, with one assist added to that.
Gyokeres has taken that form into the international break too, scoring three goals with two assists over two UEFA Nations League games for Sweden.
It brings up the question of whether Arsenal should’ve moved sooner to secure the 26-year-old in the transfer market.
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Viktor Gyokeres set for new contract bonus
So as Arsenal are linked with a move for Gyokeres, the latest news on his contract may come as a slight blow.
The striker’s current deal with Sporting runs until 2028 and includes a release clause worth roughly £86million.
While that is the case, a recent report from Record claims that his club are set to reward him for staying at the club with a pay rise.
While there is a slight boost in that the deal wouldn’t increase the years remaining or the release clause, it does mean the Gunners would likely be forced to increase their personal terms on offer if they were to make a move.
With the January transfer window their next chance to land the striker, it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta or Edu Gaspar make their move.
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Viktor Gyokeres stance on transfer
While the increased wages may come as a slight blow to Arsenal, the player’s stance on a move is much more promising.
The forward hinted at making an exit if the right offer comes along, telling Sport Bladet: “Of course. You want to play at the highest level.
“It [the release clause] was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course, it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens next window.
“Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. So yes, that’s probably why there was simply no move.
“But that’s what Sporting thinks I’m worth, and then you have to respect that. I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can’t complain about anything, so it’s absolutely no problem for me to stay.
“Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress.”
It suggests that a move could be on the cards, but it will rely on Arsenal triggering that release clause for a huge £86million deal.
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