Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the clear frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite speculation that Mikel Arteta has been in the market for a new central striker, the Gunners are yet to get a deal over the line.
That is partly due to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah - two players who are believed to be available for transfer - still remaining at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Emile Smith Rowe is allegedly on the brink of making the switch to Fulham for a fee in the region of £35m, while Reiss Nelson could go depart on a permanent or temporary basis.
As a result of those developments, there will soon be space in the squad and extra financial leeway to bring in another forward, and potentially see off their rivals in the race for their number one target.
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Liverpool not planning Gyokeres bid
Reports have indicated that Liverpool are one of the clubs who have been contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Gyokeres, who starred at the Portuguese giants during 2023-24.
A total of 43 goals and 15 assists were contributed in all competitions, inevitably leaving him as a target for a number of higher-profile clubs.
Nevertheless, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are currently not planning to move for the Sweden international during the summer transfer window.
That is despite the Merseyside giants holding an interest and possibly looking to add further talent to their first-team squad in the final third.
Chelsea are another team that have been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, yet it is unclear whether the Blues will proceed with a bid.
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Arsenal preparing formal offer?
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ready to try to tempt Sporting into the sale of their most prized asset over the coming days.
The proposal in question will allegedly be in the region of £55m and £60m, considerably below the player's release clause which is said to be set just short of £85m.
Sporting allegedly intend to stand firm with their stance of keeping Gyokeres unless that clause is activated by one of his suitors.
They get their Primeira Liga title defence underway with a home fixture against Rio Ave on August 9.
Darren Plant
