The race for Portuguese top scorer Viktor Gyökeres has intensified, with reports suggesting the player’s agent is set for talks over a big-money move.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are considered frontrunners to secure the signature of the Swedish international who has a€100m release clause, with Arsenal linked heavily over recent months.

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC - Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC – Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Gyökeres has exploded onto the scene this season for Sporting Lisbon, amassing a remarkable 37 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. This prolific form has not gone unnoticed by top European clubs, with Arsenal and Chelsea now actively pursuing the 25-year-old striker.

For Arsenal, the potential acquisition of Gyökeres would address a crucial need. While Mikel Arteta has not openly acknowledged the need for a clinical finisher to strengthen their attacking options, particularly in their quest for the Premier League title, it is clear one is wanted. Gyökeres‘ proven goalscoring record makes him a tantalising prospect.

Sporting's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres (L) vies with Young Boys' Swiss defender #04 Aurele Amenda during the UEFA Europa League last 32 second leg football match between Sporting CP and BSC Young Boys at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on February 22, 2024. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres (L) vies with Young Boys’ Swiss defender #04 Aurele Amenda during the UEFA Europa League last 32 second leg football match between Sporting CP and BSC Young Boys at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on February 22, 2024. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the Gunners face stiff competition from Chelsea. The Blues, under new ownership and with potentially significant financial resources, are also keen on bringing in a world-class striker. This could spark a bidding war for Gyökeres, potentially pushing the transfer fee beyond Arsenal‘s initial valuation.

The lack of confirmed details regarding negotiations makes it difficult to predict the outcome. However, it’s clear that both Arsenal and Chelsea recognise Gyökeres‘ quality and his potential to significantly impact their respective squads.

Arsenal fans will be understandably apprehensive about the competition from Chelsea. While the Gunners boast a strong track record of recruiting young talent, overcoming Chelsea’s financial muscle in a bidding war could prove challenging, especially when you consider what happened with Mudryk.