Arsenal and Chelsea target Viktor Gyokeres wants to stay in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon – Paper Round

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has seemingly little interest in speculation linking him to Arsenal and Chelsea this January.

The 25-year-old swapped life in the Championship with Coventry for a move to Portugal in the summer having helped lead Mark Robins’ side to the play-off final.

He has settled in quickly, registering a stunning 17 goals and eight assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

It is, therefore, no surprise that the Sweden international has been linked with a move back to England, with Arsenal and Chelsea said to be leading the chase for his signature.

“The Sweden international added he doesn’t ‘care about any interested parties at the moment’.

“Gyokeres told [Portuguese outlet] Record: ‘I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me. I’m very happy here and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment. I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me.

“‘Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all.’

“‘Asked directly whether he can promise fans he will stay at Sporting for the rest of the campaign, Gyokeres confirmed: ‘Yes. This is where I want to stay.’

“Arsenal and Chelsea are facing an uphill battle if they wish to land former Coventry star Gyokeres as he commands a release clause worth a staggering £87m.”

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is reportedly in talks to join MLS side Los Angeles FC.

Lloris, 37, had been a mainstay in Tottenham’s team for over a decade, going on to captain the club before losing his place in the senior squad following the arrival of Guglielmo Vicario in the summer.

“Lloris’ existing contract expires at the end of the season but his exit will now be accelerated.”

A 4-1 home defeat to Wolves on Wednesday was The Bees’ fourth-straight loss in the Premier League, and it’s no surprise that Thomas Frank is said to be “desperate” to keep a hold of his star player.

The article reads: “A source told SunSport Brentford’s manager wants Toney to be a part of that fightback when he returns from his gambling ban after scoring 20 top-flight goals in 2022-23.

“The source said: ‘Arsenal might have Toney at the top of their list, but as far as Brentford and Thomas Frank is concerned he is a Brentford player and they are desperate to have him back in the squad.

“‘Frank thinks he can help turn their season around. The idea they are just getting to let their best player go and slide towards relegation is madness.

“‘With each passing day, it’s looking more like he will stay and then, if he does go, it will be over the summer.’

“Our story will come as a big blow to Mikel Arteta who reportedly believes Toney could be the missing piece in the jigsaw to win the title.”

Manchester United are reportedly considering offering Anthony Martial to Inter in exchange for Federico Dimarco.

Martial has only scored once in 13 Premier League appearances this season and has dropped further down the pecking order following the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund, while Dimarco has been one of Inter’s standout players.

“The uncertainty over Martial’s future has grown with the club still not extending his contract, which is set to finish in June 2024.

“According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a move that may benefit Man Utd is Martial heading over to Inter Milan.

“The Serie A giants see Martial as a back-up choice for their frontline and want to send Dimarco, 26, as a part of a swap deal.

“With Inter valuing the Italian star at £50million this would be out of Man Utd’s budget despite the financial backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the report claims.

“However, an option for a swap could ease the hefty transfer fee.”