Liverpool deliver a big blow to Arsenal as Reds are set to meet the asking price for a top Gunners target…

Liverpool deal major blow to Arsenal as Reds prepare to meet top Gunners target’s asking price.

Liverpool significantly impacts Arsenal’s plans as the Reds prepare to meet the asking price for a key target from the Gunners.

Liverpool has reportedly agreed to meet Sporting Lisbon’s asking price for Viktor Gyokeres, delivering a significant setback to Arsenal’s plans.

The Swedish forward had an impressive first season at Sporting after transferring from Coventry City for £17 million, amassing 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 matches across all competitions.

His outstanding performances have attracted attention from top European clubs, and a recent report indicated that Arsenal has prioritized him as their primary target for a striker.

Arsenal is looking to secure the services of Gyokeres for a fee significantly lower than his €100m (£86m) release clause.

Reports suggest that the Gunners are ready to make an offer for the player, but there is still a difference in the valuation between the two clubs.

Arsenal is reportedly willing to pay around €60 million (£52m) for Gyokeres, while Sporting Lisbon is holding out for at least €70m (£60m) in the upcoming transfer window.

Despite the gap in valuation, Gyokeres remains a top target for Arsenal as they continue to search for a striker.

Sporting are no longer insisting on the full payment of the Swede’s €100m release clause, but they are still seeking at least around €70m (£60m).

Arsenal have no plans to meet Gyokeres’ release clause, so the fact that Sporting are open to club-to-club negotiations is a positive development.

However, there has been no progress towards formal talks due to Arsenal’s focus on Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

Sporting’s willingness to negotiate is indeed good news for Arsenal, but reports in Portugal now claim Liverpool are prepared to outbid them.

The Reds are believed to be prepared to meet Sporting’s €70 million asking price for their key player, aiming to outmaneuver the Gunners and are now optimistic about finalizing the agreement.

This would mark the second setback for Arsenal at the hands of Liverpool this week, following Arne Slot’s team securing a victory over the Gunners in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.

Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho netted two early goals, leading the Reds to a 2-1 victory, with Arsenal managing to score once through Kai Havertz before the halftime break.

Liverpool’s manager, Slot, expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging that Arsenal “completely dominated possession” during the second half.

Slot emphasized the importance of aiming for a win, even in friendly matches or small-sided games during training sessions.

He expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive performance against Arsenal, highlighting their ability to limit clear scoring opportunities.

Slot also praised the team’s performance in the first half and their defensive resilience in the second half.

Slot commented following the game: “I believe that even in a friendly match, the goal is always to strive for a victory.

Whether it’s a small-sided game during a training session, the objective should always be to win.

Winning your matches should be the priority, and you should do everything in your power to achieve that.

“So, it’s positive that we accomplished that today, but I’m particularly satisfied with the manner in which we did so. Although I did notice in the second half that we struggled against Arsenal – they had complete dominance in possession.

Our defensive performance was excellent, with a strong presence of players behind the ball whenever they entered our penalty area.

There were no clear-cut opportunities for the opposition in the second half. The first half was evenly matched, with both teams having chances to score more goals. I am satisfied with our first-half display and our defensive efforts in the second half.