Viktor Gyokeres has dream Arsenal shirt number available after agreement is reached

Arsenal could be set to benefit from a huge hint that Sporting Lisbon are ready to sell Viktor Gyokeres, who has emerged as a top target for a number of Premier League clubs

Arsenal could have the perfect shirt number to tempt Viktor Gyokeres this summer, as Sporting Lisbon hint at a possible sale.

The Swedish striker has been on the radar of several Premier League giants including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, following an impressive tally of 43 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting last season after his £20million move from Coventry City.

The Championship club had cleverly included a sell-on clause in the deal, but in a big hint that Sporting may be ready to cash in on Gyokeres, his parent club sent Coventry a recent payment of €2million (£1.7m) to reduce it from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, as reported by Sport.

Sporting have set a hefty €100m (£86m) release clause in Gyokeres' contract, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are considering an initial bid of between £55m and £60m.

If their offer is accepted, Arsenal might have a secret weapon to persuade Gyokeres to choose them over other suitors. With Cedric Soares leaving the club and the number 17 shirt now vacant, the Gunners could offer it to the striker.

This could prove to be a significant incentive for the 26-year-old, who currently sports the number nine for Sporting but has often worn the number 17 for Sweden and during his time at Coventry City.

Gyokeres might not be able to snag the No 9 shirt at Arsenal due to Gabriel Jesus' presence, but with Eddie Nketiah potentially on the move, he could inherit the iconic No 14 once worn by Thierry Henry.

Arsenal's transfer activity is beginning to heat up, with Riccardo Calafiori joining in a £42m deal and David Raya's loan becoming a permanent stay earlier this week.

The Gunners are also poised to make a move for Spain's Euro 2024 hero Mikel Merino soon, although there's been no rush to find a new No.9 - a position some argue needs strengthening in order to compete with Manchester City.

However, Gyokeres' potential arrival could be the answer as Arsenal's interest in the Swedish striker grows, moving away from other targets like Aleksandr Isak and Victor Osimhen.

On the outgoings front, Emile Smith Rowe is nearing a £27m switch to Fulham, possibly rising to £34m with add-ons. Meanwhile, Marseille seems ready to pay around €20m (£16.8m) for Nketiah, as reported by The Athletic.

Ahead of Arsenal's friendly against Liverpool on Thursday, Arteta spoke candidly about the club's transfer plans. He said: "Let's see. We have to wait and see the movements in the market.

"We have already identified the things that we can improve. We had the meetings in February, March, April. So if we can we will strengthen the team. So far I'm really happy with what we have."

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