Transfer Talk: Chelsea, Arsenal eye Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and there is plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Sporting set price tag on Gyökeres with Arsenal, Chelsea interested
Sporting CP will require €80m this summer to part ways with forward Viktor Gyökeres, amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest, according to the Mirror.
The 25-year-old has endured a remarkable season with the Portuguese outfit, notching 22 goals in just 24 outings in the Liga Portugal, leading to a host of top European clubs to monitor his situation ahead of the summer.
It is reported that whilst both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in a potential move for the Swedish international, AC Milan are also keeping tabs on the former Coventry City forward. Milan are set to see Olivier Giroud leave the club this summer which leaves the Italian club needing to find a replacement, though it is understood that Gyökeres would prefer a switch to the Premier League.
Whilst Gyökeres has been a key player for Sporting this season, the report reveals that it is expected the Portuguese giants will cash in on their frontman this summer.
Arsenal have reportedly been keen to add to their attacking options this summer, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah the only two currently recognized strikers at the club. Meanwhile, Chelsea have struggled to find a consistent source of goals this season, with the exception of Cole Palmer, highlighting the need for further forward reinforcements this summer for the Blues.
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PAPER GOSSIP (by Rajan Hothi)
– West Ham are in a strong position to land a deal for Brentford forward Ivan Toney, suggest Football Insider. The 28-year-old could depart Brentford this summer with Toney entering the final year of his contract with the club, leaving the Bees keen to cash-in on the England international. It is reported that Arsenal have cooled their interest in Toney which has left the door open for West Ham to strike. The Hammers are keen to add to their attacking options this summer, though the report reveals that Chelsea could also provide competition for Toney’s signature.
– AC Milan are keen to secure a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee amid Premier League interest, per La Gazzetta dello Sport. With Olivier Giroud set to depart the San Siro this summer, Milan are desperate to bring a new striker to the club. The report reveals that whilst Premier League clubs are monitoring Zirkzee, the 22-year-old would prefer to stay in Serie A. Meanwhile, a return to Bayern Munich for the forward looks unlikely with the Bavarian outfit not prioritizing a striker this summer and the player himself is not eager on a return.
– AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini could only be offloaded for €50m+ this summer, per Calciomercato. The Italian club are under pressure to raise €40m by June 30th to ensure UEFA compliance, which could see the club offload several stars this summer. However, the report reveals that Roma are keen to keep Pellegrini at the club, and would only entertain offers in the region of €50m.
– Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski will remain at the club, despite Saudi Arabia interest, reveal Sport. The 35-year-old has notched 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season and whilst there has been interest from Saudi Arabia, the Poland international reportedly has no plans on leaving the Nou Camp this summer. Lewandowski’s departure would leave Barcelona short on forward options which has left the Catalan club keen to keep the former Bayern Munich striker.
– Internazionale are lining up Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries, per La Gazzetta dello Sport. Dumfries is under contract with Inter until 2025, though the report indicates that the Italian giants may offload the 27-year-old this summer to ensure he does not leave as a free agent in 12 months time. It is reported that Inter are tracking Kayode and are preparing for a summer approach, however, it will not be an easy deal to strike, with Fiorentina keen to secure a healthy fee.
