Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has praised Viktor Gyokeres as a “top player” amid growing speculation that the Swedish striker could join the Gunners in the upcoming January transfer window. Gyokeres, 26, has been in sensational form for Sporting Lisbon, scoring 24 goals in just 17 games this season. His impressive performances have attracted attention of several top clubs, including Arsenal, who have been searching for a natural goalscorer.
Raya, who joined Arsenal from Brentford this season, was quick to recognize Gyokeres’ talents during a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon. When asked about the Swedish forward, Raya said: “We know his strengths, how he runs a lot in behind and scores a lot in one-v-one situations. He is a top player in form. We are going to try and keep him very, very quiet. We have to step up defensively and hopefully keep a clean sheet.”
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was more reserved when pressed about the prospect of signing Gyokeres. Instead of commenting on the 26-year-old striker, Arteta opted to focus on Sporting Lisbon’s impressive unbeaten run, which currently stands at 19 games. “I would like to talk about the team, about the coaches, and how phenomenal they have been,” Arteta said. “The run they are in is incredible. It shows not just quality but the setup, ambition, and energy of the team. This will be a great challenge for us.”
When specifically asked about Gyokeres, Arteta remained tight-lipped, adding: “I understand the question, but they have a lot of individual qualities, and that’s why they can win games in various ways. In that position, they have great players.”
Gyokeres has already made headlines this season, including his stunning hat-trick in Sporting’s 4-1 victory over Manchester City last month. His performances have caught eye of top European clubs, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United all reportedly interested. La Liga giants Barcelona have also been linked with the striker.
Despite the growing interest, Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has suggested that a move in January is unlikely, even though the club could sell Gyokeres for £63 million, lower than his release clause. “I can’t promise anything,” Varandas stated. “If a club comes in and pays the release clause, and if he wants to go, he will go. But I don’t think this will happen in January.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the upcoming Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon. With Raya and his teammates preparing for a challenging encounter against a formidable opponent.
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