Arsenal and Liverpool are gearing up for a title charge but they could also be going head-to-head for a star striker this summer.
Both Premier League clubs have been in the market for a new centre-forward this summer as they search for a talisman forward to fire them to the league title.
Arsenal relied on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to lead the line last season while Liverpool suffered through the inconsistency of Darwin Nunez.
If either club plans to pip Manchester City and Erling Haaland to the league, they will need a consistent scorer they can rely on.
HITC revealed that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Viktor Gyokeres in action, while Liverpool also retain an interest in the Sporting Lisbon striker.
The 26-year-old is a target for both clubs and Sporting Lisbon could sell Gyokeres for less than his release clause this summer.
£32m deal gives Liverpool and Arsenal a boost
Liverpool and Arsenal faced competition from Atletico Madrid for Viktor Gyokeres‘ signature with the Spanish giants eager to replace Alvaro Morata this summer.
But Portuguese outlet O Jogo report that Atletico have now found their Morata replacement in a £32million deal for Villarreal forward Alexander Sorloth.
With Atletico addressing their need for a striker, it leaves Arsenal and Liverpool in pole position to strike a deal for Gyokeres.
Sporting have taken steps to prepare for Gyokeres’ sale this summer by paying £2.5million to drop Coventry City’s sell-on fee from 15 percent to 10 percent.
Gyokeres was described as “unplayable” during his time at the Championship side, but they are now set to miss out on millions if he is sold this summer.
READ MORE: Striker Arsenal want to sign is ‘Animal’, says agent of teammate who has now been sold
Sporting’s decision to pay off the sell-on clause suggests the Portuguese side are ready to cash in on Gyokeres and wanted to ensure they got the lion’s share of his transfer fee.
He has an £86million release clause in his contract but Sporting could accept a cut-price deal for the Swedish star.
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