Roy Hodgson believes Viktor Gyokeres could be a transformative signing for Arsenal, although he cautions that the move might create a tactical challenge for Sweden’s national team.
The Gunners are currently in negotiations with Sporting over the transfer of Gyokeres, who is presently on holiday after refusing to return to pre-season training.
Sporting have been firm in their stance regarding Gyokeres’ sale, but there is optimism that an agreement can be reached, as the Portuguese club are in talks to sign Almeria striker Luis Suarez as his replacement.
The Gunners, who are now in Singapore for their pre-season tour, have already signed four players this summer: Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke, with the total spend exceeding £100 million.
Arsenal and Sporting have reportedly agreed on a deal in principle for Gyokeres worth an initial £55million, plus £8.6 million in add-ons and bonuses.
However, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and Sporting officials have yet to finalise the exact fee structure.
This uncertainty has opened the door for Manchester United, who have reportedly submitted a last-minute bid to hijack the transfer.
Portuguese reports indicate that United have offered between €70million and €80million (£60–69million) in an attempt to reunite Ruben Amorim with his former Sporting striker.
Hodgson told Hajper: “Viktor Gyokeres is at a big club already. If Arsenal do sign him, it will be a real feather in their cap.
“With regard to the national team, that might give the coach a decision to make because both Alexander Isak and Gyokeres are used to playing as a lone centre forward.
“To get the best out of both players, they need to be playing centrally… I’d advise against pushing either one wide. It’s not impossible to play with two strikers, but you’d have to adapt the system.”
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