Newly promoted Premier League side, Sunderland might lose their pursuit of Colombia striker, Luis Suarez if Arsenal sign Swedish striker, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Softfootball confirms that the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal with Sporting after Gyokeres and Arsenal agreed personal terms.
According to Sunderland Echo, Sporting CP are lining up Suarez as their ideal replacement for Gyokeres if the striker eventually leaves the club this summer.
Sunderland had agreed a fee of £21m with Almeria which is originally the release clause of the Colombian. Suarez became hot cake in this transfer market after his 33 goals in 56 games performance in 2 years.
The 27 year old Colombian international is being linked with Liverpool, Sporting CP, Manchester United, Juventus, Atlético Madrid and are now putting Sunderland’s initial contacts in jeopardy if they knock on the door for the striker.
Sporting CP will have more financial power among the clubs if they agree their £65m request fee for Gyokeres with Arsenal. It is believed that the player is patiently waiting to see how it all unfolds before making his final decisions.
The forward is keen to play in the Champions League, which may give clubs like Sporting and Liverpool an edge in negotiations. However, sources close to the situation insist that Sunderland have not been formally turned down, with a so-called ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between player and club potentially allowing for flexibility in the decision-making process.
Sunderland were hoping to bring in a marquee striker to their squad as they hope to storm the Premier League next season. Softfootball recorded how the Black Cats broke the bank for Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra.
The Black Cat confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old former Strasbourg player in a deal reportedly worth £30 million, which is also the club’s biggest deal.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who scored against England in a friendly at the City Ground in June, will now stay with the English side for five years and becomes the club’s second major signing of the summer.
