In a revelation that will send shockwaves through the Emirates Stadium, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has delivered a stark warning to Arsenal's transfer chiefs: securing top striker target Viktor Gyokeres will require smashing the club's transfer record with a fee potentially exceeding £85 million.
The ex-Crystal Palace and West Ham boss, speaking on talkSPORT, provided a brutal assessment of the Gunners' pursuit, stating Sporting CP are fully aware of their prized asset's value and will not budge on their astronomical asking price. This figure dwarfs Arsenal's current record signing, Declan Rice, who joined for £105 million.
Pardew's Portuguese Price Warning
'He's not going to go for less than probably £85m-plus, I would think,' Pardew authoritatively declared during his radio appearance. His insight carries significant weight, given his own experience managing in the Primeira Liga with CS Marítimo.
Pardew emphasised the shrewd negotiating tactics of Portuguese clubs, suggesting Sporting are playing hardball. 'The Portuguese clubs are very clever, they put a buyout in that is extraordinary and then they sit and wait for someone to meet it,' he explained, highlighting the deliberate strategy designed to maximise profit.
Gyokeres' Meteoric Rise and Arsenal's Striker Search
The Swedish international has been nothing short of a revelation since his £20 million move from Coventry City last summer. A staggering 36 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions has made him one of Europe's most sought-after forwards, justifying Sporting's firm stance.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to add a prolific, central striker to his squad to provide the final piece in his title-challenging puzzle. While the club's attack is fluid, a consistent, ruthless number nine is seen as the key to turning last season's narrow second-place finish into a Premier League triumph.
A Financial Stumbling Block
This potential transfer fee represents a monumental financial commitment, even for a club of Arsenal's stature. It raises immediate questions about the club's summer budget and whether they are prepared to spend such a vast sum on a single player, despite his proven goal-scoring pedigree.
The pursuit of Gyokeres is further complicated by interest from other European giants and the player's own reported contentment in Lisbon, where he is on course to win a league title. Arsenal's charm offensive, should they choose to proceed, will need to be as compelling as their financial offer.
Pardew's comments have thrown a bucket of cold water on what many Arsenal fans hoped would be a straightforward deal. The North London club now faces a critical decision: meet Sporting's colossal demands or swiftly pivot to other, perhaps more affordable, striking targets in what is sure to be a long summer transfer saga.
