AC Milan will face a hard battle to sign top summer target Viktor Gyökeres, as Premier League side Arsenal are reportedly prepared to match the sizeable release clause in his contract.
AC Milan have been repeatedly linked with the Sporting CP striker, who has been sensational since moving to Portugal from English 2nd-tier side Coventry in the summer. The Swedish attacker has bagged 33 goals in 38 appearances so far this term.
His exploits have now attracted the interest of Arsenal, who are currently one of Europe’s most in-form sides. The Premier League club does have a weakness at the centre-forward position and have identified Gyökeres as a player who could fill that hole.
Reports in England suggest they would be willing to meet a rumoured €100m release clause in his Sporting contract. Having only paid around €25m for him in the summer, that sort of fee would see the Portuguese side make a massive profit. Milan would likely move on to other targets if a fee of that size is required.
Given Arsenal’s improvement over the past two seasons and the fact they are among the favourites for this year’s Champions League, it would be hard to see how any player would turn them down.
However, there are still some positive links around a Milan move for Gyökeres. Various reports suggest the 25-year-old favours a move to the Italian giants above the other clubs currently linked with a move for him.
It’s easy to see why Gyökeres is attracting so much interest. Given how well he’s adapted to the Portuguese top flight, his powerful play and eye for a goal would likely translate well to the more prominent European leagues.
The striker market will be one of the most competitive during this summer’s transfer window. Many of Europe’s biggest clubs will be looking for a centre-forward and Viktor Gyökeres is likely to be very high on many of their lists.
He has potential and would score goals in the Serie A, though not certain in the UCL. He plays with desire and Ibra could teach one thing or two. He could become a Lautaro for Milan. But the price….