Liverpool ‘join race’ to sign £86m striker wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres. The Reds are yet to make their first signing of the summer but continue to be linked with several potential targets.

Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move away from Sporting this summer, with rumors of an exit first appearing in January. Liverpool were initially credited with an interest in the New Year before the rumors died down, but now speculation has resurfaced.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Gyokeres this summer. In doing so, the Reds will compete with Arsenal for the signature of the forward, who is said to have an £86million release clause in his contract.

Reports in recent days have claimed that Arsenal are preparing to submit a bid to sign Gyokeres, who is below his release clause figure. It has not been said when Liverpool will make a bid, only that they are registering an interest in the striker.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as interested in signing Gyokeres, who scored 43 goals for Sporting last season. The Primeira Liga club signed Gyokeres from Coventry City last summer in a deal worth up to £20million.

Liverpool already boast several attacking options in the squad, including players who operate in the same role as Gyokeres. Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota can all feature as centre-forwards for the Reds, while Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah are also available to provide support from the wing.

Liverpool have until September 2 to complete any transfer business before the New Year window closes.