Viktor Gyökeres has taken Liga Portugal by storm. The Swedish forward leads the league in goals and assists, sparking transfer interest from Arsenal.

But is the €100m price tag justified? We delve into Gyökeres’ remarkable rise and whether he’s the answer to Arsenal’s attacking woes.

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)

Viktor Gyökeres is tearing up Liga Portugal. The Swedish forward has exploded onto the scene at Sporting CP, leading the league in goals and assists with a staggering 51 goal contributions in all competitions. This red-hot form has naturally seen him linked with a big-money move, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Gyökeres’ story is one of perseverance. Despite early promise at Brighton, he never quite established himself in England, bouncing around on loan spells. But a permanent move to Coventry in the Championship proved to be the turning point. After a near promotion push with the Sky Blues, Sporting CP swooped in, and Gyökeres hasn’t looked back.

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)

Gyökeres boasts a remarkable 1.41 goals and assists per 90 minutes across all competitions. He’s outscoring established stars like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland this season. His ability to play centrally or drift wide adds another dimension to his attacking threat.

The €100 million release clause attached to Gyökeres’ contract is a significant hurdle. While Arsenal are reportedly willing to meet that figure, Sporting will likely demand a hefty sum close to nine figures. Gyökeres himself remains focused on the present, prioritising success with Sporting… for now.

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres looks at the ball during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on December 4, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres looks at the ball during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on December 4, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners are in need of a proven goal scorer. While Gyökeres’ Premier League experience is limited, his current form is undeniable. His ability to adapt to a new league and system remains a question mark, but his talent is not in question. Arsenal fans will be watching developments closely as the summer transfer window approaches.

Only time will tell if Arsenal will make a formal bid for Gyökeres. His price tag is undoubtedly steep, but his current form suggests he could be a game-changer for the Gunners.

One thing’s for sure: Viktor Gyökeres is a name to remember, and Arsenal won’t be the only club monitoring his progress.