Liverpool has dealt a significant blow to Arsenal, as the Reds are prepared to meet the asking price for the top Gunners target.

It has been reported that Liverpool is prepared to fulfil the asking price that Sporting Lisbon has set for Viktor Gyokeres, which would be a significant blow to Arsenal.

Following his transfer from Coventry City, a Championship club, for a fee of £17 million, the Swedish international had a phenomenal first season at Sporting. He made 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing 43 goals and 15 assists.

It was reported earlier this week that Arsenal have made him their top striker target. His performances have attracted the attention of people who are considered to be among the best in Europe.

Arsenal are hoping to sign Gyokeres for a significantly cheaper fee, despite the fact that his contract contains a release clause that is around €100 million (£86 million).

Arsenal is reportedly “prepared to bid” for Gyokeres, according to the source; but, there is reportedly still a “gap in valuation” between the two parties.

According to reports, the Gunners are “ready to spend approximately €60 million (£52 million) for Gyokeres, while Sporting Lisbon is reportedly “wanting at least” €70 million (£60 million) for him this summer.

“We have been informed that the Sporting CP sharpshooter continues to be at the top of the Gunners’ shortlist of striker options, despite the fact that there is still a significant valuation gap.”

Despite the fact that Sporting is no longer demanding that the Swede’s release clause of €100 million be fulfilled in full, the club is still seeking at least approximately €70 million (£60 million).

As a result of the fact that Sporting are willing to engage in club-to-club negotiations, Arsenal have no intention of matching Gyokeres’ release clause. This is a [boost].

Having said that, there has been no actual action towards initiating formal talks as of yet because Arsenal is concentrating on Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

The fact that Sporting is willing to negotiate is, without a doubt, a positive development for Arsenal; but, there are stories coming out of Portugal that indicate Liverpool is poised to completely outperform them.

It is believed that the Reds are prepared to meet Sporting’s valuation of their best asset, which is €70 million, in order to beat the Gunners to the punch and are now optimistic that they will be able to agree to a deal.

It would be the second blow that Liverpool has dealt to Arsenal this week, following the victory that Arne Slot’s team achieved over the Gunners in their pre-season friendly on Thursday.

Two goals scored by Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho early on helped the Reds to a 2-1 victory over Arsenal. Kai Havertz scored a goal for Arsenal just before halftime, but the Reds still prevailed.

In spite of the fact that Arsenal “completely dominated possession” in the second half of the match, Liverpool manager Slot was merely delighted with the fact that his team emerged victorious.

Following the match, Slot made the following statement: “I believe that even though it is a friendly, you should always aim for a win.” Even if you are playing a game with a limited number of players during a training session, you should always want to win. As a result of your need to win your games, you make every effort to achieve victory.

That being said, it is a good thing that we did that today, but what makes me much more delighted is the manner in which we did it. I was able to observe the second half, and it was clear to me that Arsenal was having a difficult time with us. They fully dominated possession.

According to the coach, “But we defended really well, and I was really pleased to see this because there were a lot of bodies behind the ball every time they arrived into our 16.” In the second half, I don’t believe they produced any serious opportunities that were accessible to them.

It was a game that was evenly balanced after the first ten minutes of the first half, and both teams had the opportunity to score a few more goals at that point. The way that we played in the first half and the way that we defended in the second half is something that I am grateful for.