Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last term, also providing a further 13 assists and has been linked to Arsenal for a number of months that have surely dragged for fans who are desperate to see the Portuguese international arrive in North London.
The Gunners have completed four deals in the summer transfer window thus far but a striker is manager Mikel Arteta’s main priority. Now, it looks like the deal could progress as Gyokeres’ club identify a replacement.
According to Standard Sport, Sporting have set their sights on former Watford striker and ex-Sunderland target Luis Javier Suarez who are understood to have held formal talks with the Sporting hierarchy over the weekend, with a deal set to be completed in the next couple of days.
However, Almeria sporting director Joao Goncalves recently revealed that the club will not let him go for a low fee this summer and will demand what he is worth.
“Luis has had his best season, he’s in the best moment of his career – 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve.
“We haven’t had any official contact with Sporting to date.
“We haven’t received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we’re moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We’re managing our timing.
“He has a €40 million (£34.6m) release clause. To paraphrase Frederico Varandas – we’re not asking for the value of the clause, but we’re going to defend our interests.”
The Gunners are in action gainst Milan at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday again before playing again on Sunday when they take on Newcastle United at the same stadium. While they games are happening there is a chance that the Gyokeres deal moves forward as long as a deal is agreed with Almeria for Suarez.