Latest developments
- Arsenal are set to win the race to sign Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres.
- The Gunners are ready to pay the £83 million release clause.
- Man Utd and Bayern Munich have also been chasing the Portuguese.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): L'Equipe info trusted
Arsenal are preparing to end the long-running Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga by paying his £83 million release clause to Sporting CP.
This news broke in L'Equipe and despite no French connection to this story, many UK outlets are trusting their word and running with the rumour, including teamtalk.com.
Value (4/5): Not far off market value
Paying over the odds is common when you're signing one of Europe's most sought-after strikers, and injury to Gabriel Jesus is supposedly what has forced the Gunners to pull the trigger.
But with a market value of £63.2 million, paying £20 million extra could work out better than getting dragged into a bidding war and seeing the price escalate further.
Suitability (4.5/5): More than a goal a game
A total of 32 goals in 30 games this season is exactly why half of Europe's super clubs have been battling for the 26-year-old's signature.
The Premier League will be a big step up from Portugal, but those numbers are convincing enough to suggest he can dominate in any league. Five in six in the UEFA Champions League this campaign helps illustrate that point.
Upgrade? (5/5): A real-life centre-forward
Playing Kai Havertz or Jesus in the middle have long been seen as Arsenal's biggest issue as they have fallen short of silverware again and again.
With this deal, they will go from no proper centre-forwards, to one of the world's best – a clear upgrade.
Logic (4/5): Amorim link-up preferable?
The “upgrade” section encapsulates exactly why this makes perfect sense for Arsenal. As for Gyokeres, the opportunity to fight for major honours will be enticing, though PSG, Bayern, or even a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Man Utd may have been his preferred choices.
Whisper+ verdict: 20/25
The Gunners could be about to silence their doubters and make the signing of the window, we could just do with sources closer to the Emirates weighing in before we give the green light.
