Man City could deal Arsenal big transfer blow as Pep Guardiola faces nervous wait

Manchester City could land a bitter transfer blow on rivals Arsenal if they’re able to land Viktor Gyokeres as an Erling Haaland replacement, should the striker depart for Real Madrid in the near future.

City’s Premier League rivals will be counting down the days until Haaland packs his bags and leaves the Etihad Stadium, such has been his impact so far.

Haaland bagged the Golden Boot award in both of the last two seasons – campaigns which both ended with City topping the table and Arsenal finishing second.

A similar pattern has emerged this term, with City ahead of Arsenal in the table and Haaland already on 10 goals for the 2024/25 season.

But if reports that Real Madrid have earmarked Haaland as their next Galactico signing are true, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could be about to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Haaland is said to be open to the idea of moving to the record European champions in the near future – something that could leave Pep Guardiola sweating.

That is unless City swoop in and snatch Gyokeres, who has been mooted as an Arsenal target, as their first-choice Haaland replacement.

Having left Championship side Coventry City for Sporting in the summer of 2023, Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest talents.

In 63 matches for the Portuguese outfit, Gyokeres has netted a whopping 56 goals and registered a further 19 assists.

Unsurprisingly, Gyokeres’ form has caught the attention of clubs across the continent, with Sporting slapping a reported £83million release clause in his contract to try and fend off any interest.

However, if Haaland leaves and City are on the lookout for a new striker, the Premier League champions could have a secret weapon to help them land Gyokeres’ signature.

Current Sporting director of football Hugo Viana is set to replace Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad Stadium when he leaves his post at the end of the season.

Viana was responsible for bringing Gyokeres to Sporting from Coventry and along with manager Ruben Amorim, who has also been linked to a City move, are well aware of his star quality.

That existing relationship could prove pivotal for City, should they decide to pursue the Swedish international, which in turn could prolong the misery for Arteta and co. at the hands of City.