Arsenal want to see Sporting Club de Portugal striker Viktor Gyökeres in action in pre-season before making a move for him.
That’s according to Correio da Manhã, who report that Arsenal want to be sure of the forward’s fitness before stepping up any effort to get him.
The newspaper reports that the Gunners have been chasing Gyökeres for some time but the need for a ‘surgical intervention’ in his left knee has seen their interest cool down of late.
According to CM’s information, though, the surgery was actually only a light procedure at most, and he’s now enjoyed a quick recovery from it, indicating there is no major issue or anything to be concerned about moving forwards.
That’s only half assured Arsenal, who have rekindled their interest but still have some internal doubts about a full recovery.
So, the idea now is to wait unto the Cinco Violinos Trophy takes place on Saturday, with Sporting set to take on Athletic Club Bilbao, so they can see Gyökeres in action in person.
It seems they want to run the rule over the striker first and test to see if he is as well recovered as they believe he is, before then stepping up their transfer efforts once again.
For now, Gyökeres has returned to training, heading back on to the pitch last Saturday, and is set for his first set of minutes in another friendly on Tuesday with games against Farense and Sevilla both planned on the same day.
Arsenal will be watching those games then the clash on Saturday before making their decision, but CM say a proposal should arrive in Alvalade at the beginning of August.
The Portuguese club appear to be expecting Gyökeres’ €100m release clause to be paid, although whether that actually happens remains to be seen.
