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Arsenal scout new partner for William Saliba and 'set sights on £86m striker'
Viktor Gyokeres is the subject of interest from Arsenal who are also looking at a new centre-back.
Analysing the Premier League title race as Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool battle it out
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a new partner for William Saliba and have their sights set on an £86m striker. Viktor Gyokeres, the Sporting striker, scored his 31st goal of the season in front of scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United last Thursday.
The Swedish star has a massive £86million release clause after his £20.5m move from Coventry City last July.
According to the Daily Mirror, it is believed that Arsenal were watching several players during Sporting's 2-1 win over Benfica, including 20-year-old central defender Ousmane Diomande. He could become the long-term successor to Gabriel Magalhaes to partner Saliba in defence.
Chelsea have also shown interest in the former Coventry forward Gyokeres and Diomande, while Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan were also at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Meanwhile, United have been keeping a close eye on promising Benfica pair Joao Neves and Antonio Silva all season. The Red Devils have had scouts at most of Benfica's games - both domestic and European - this term.
Benfica might have to sell this summer as they owe more than £60million in loans to financial entities after significant investment in their squad.
The Portuguese giants had to issue a statement in January denying they had started formal talks with United about selling Neves.