Arsenal and Chelsea have been put on high alert after their transfer target Viktor Gyokeres refused to rule out the possibility of leaving Sporting Lisbon before the transfer deadline.
Gyokeres is quickly establishing himself as one of the best strikers in Europe since joining the Lions from Coventry for around £13m at the start of last season.
In his first full campaign in the Primeira Liga, the Swede scored 29 goals and provided nine assists in 33 appearances, earning the Golden Boot, eight goals clear of Simon Banza in second place.
The 26-year-old striker has shown no signs of slowing down either, netting six goals in the first three matches of this season, including a hat-trick against Farense on Friday night.
His sensational record since arriving in Portugal has put him on the radar of several European giants, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
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Gyokeres' comments put PL clubs on high alert
Arsenal, in particular, were heavily linked with a move for the Swedish international for the majority of the summer window but were unwilling to meet the £86m release clause Sporting had slapped on their star striker.
However, the Gunners may have been dealt a significant injury blow this weekend, with Gabriel Jesus reportedly sustaining a groin injury ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday evening.
With Eddie Nketiah closing in on an exit from the Emirates Stadium and Jesus potentially facing a spell on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta's strike force now looks much thinner than it did a week ago.
Thus, if Arteta and sporting director Edu are going to look to bring in a centre-forward before the transfer deadline, they may be encouraged by Gyokeres's most recent comments.
After starring in Sporting's thumping 5-0 win on Friday, the 26-year-old attacker refused to rule out the possibility of leaving Lisbon this summer.
Asked in the post-match interview with Sport TV if a move was on the cards, Gyokeres responded: "We never know what's going to happen. It doesn't just depend on me. We'll see, but I feel good here.
"In football, in the transfer window, it's normal, there are things we don't know, that happen quickly. But I love being here, there's no stress."
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Arsenal potential striker targets before transfer deadline
If Arsenal decide to pursuit signing a new centre-forward before the transfer deadline, there are a few options they could consider aside from Gyokeres.
Victor Osimhen has made it clear to Napoli that he wants to leave this summer and is being tracked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
However, the Nigerian international has a massive release clause attached to his name which will likely be a major obstacle for many potential suitors in Europe.
Another player that the Gunners were believed to be keeping an eye on this summer is Brentford's Ivan Toney, who like Osimhen, has made his club aware of his desire to move on before the transfer deadline.
With a reported £60m asking price, Toney represents a cheaper alternative to Gyokeres and Osimhen, but the England international has struggled to find his best form since returning from his eight-month betting ban.
Devesh Jaganath
