
Viktor Gyokeres’ Replacement Already Identified
Sporting CP Line Up Luis Suarez Bid as Swedish Striker Nears Arsenal Move
In the ever-shifting world of summer transfers, one of the most significant storylines brewing in Liga Portugal surrounds the future of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and the club’s swift reaction to his likely departure. The Swedish marksman is edging closer to a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal leading the race, and Sporting have already lined up a potential successor in Luis Suarez — not the Uruguayan legend, but the Colombian sharpshooter currently lighting up Spain’s Segunda Division.
What Happened?
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Sporting CP are actively pursuing Luis Javier Suarez, currently with UD Almeria, as the most realistic option to replace Viktor Gyokeres. The timing of Sporting’s interest comes as no surprise, as Viktor Gyokeres’ name has been on Arsenal’s shortlist for months. With talks reportedly advancing between the Gunners and Sporting, the Lisbon-based club is already preparing for life after the Swede.
Sporting’s technical team, led by sporting director Hugo Viana, has long anticipated the possibility of losing their star striker, and Suarez seems to be the profile they have settled on. The Colombian forward was the top scorer in Spain’s second division, netting 27 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances last season — a campaign that placed him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.
The Bigger Picture

Luis Suarez Almeria
Sporting’s success last season under manager Ruben Amorim was largely built on Viktor Gyokeres’ prolific goal-scoring form. With Champions League football returning to the Alvalade, the club is under pressure to maintain a strong squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
Replacing Viktor Gyokeres won’t be an easy task, but Suarez offers promise. The Colombian brings with him a blend of athleticism, sharp finishing, and positional intelligence. Although his team, Almeria, struggled in La Liga last season and ultimately got relegated, Suarez found his groove in the second tier, rediscovering the kind of form that initially earned him a move from Granada.
Sources close to the negotiation believe that Sporting are the only club to have made a formal approach for the 27-year-old. That exclusive interest may give them a strategic edge, especially with Almeria reportedly open to negotiations.
Did You Know?
While Suarez is tied to Almeria until 2029, his release clause is set at €40 million. However, market conditions and Almeria’s relegation status suggest they may be willing to accept a figure closer to €25 million, with some sources hinting that Sporting believe they could drive the price down even further.
From Suarez’s side, the move to Lisbon is said to be extremely appealing. The Colombian international is understood to value the opportunity to play Champions League football — something no other suitor is currently offering. Sporting’s participation in Europe’s elite competition may be the deciding factor in tipping the scales.
Beyond his numbers, Suarez is also known for his work rate and physicality — attributes that mirror those of Viktor Gyokeres. He may not be a like-for-like replacement stylistically, but Sporting see in him the potential to grow into that lead striker role under Amorim’s system.
What Next for Sporting?
Viktor Gyokeres Sporting 2024-25
On the other end of this transfer chain, the Viktor Gyokeres-to-Arsenal saga is picking up pace. Reports suggest that the Swedish international has already agreed to take a €2 million cut from his salary in order to facilitate a move to north London. Arsenal, for their part, are believed to be working on a package that meets Sporting’s valuation, even if it’s still a few million euros short at this stage.
There is confidence within the corridors of both clubs that a deal will eventually be struck. For Sporting, losing Viktor Gyokeres would be a major blow in terms of talent, but not a surprise. The club always anticipated his eventual exit, especially after his stunning 2023-24 campaign where he scored 43 goals in all competitions.
If the Suarez deal is concluded, it would mark a continuation of Sporting’s smart recruitment strategy. They’ve developed a reputation for spotting undervalued or overlooked talent and giving them the platform to shine. Think Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Gonçalves, or even Viktor Gyokeres himself — all players who exploded at Alvalade before attracting global attention.
Arsenal’s Perspective
From Arsenal’s point of view, adding Viktor Gyokeres to their attacking line would provide much-needed depth and competition. While Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have shown moments of quality, injuries and inconsistency have plagued both. Mikel Arteta wants a powerful, hard-running forward capable of stretching defences and scoring on the break — and Viktor Gyokeres fits that mould perfectly.
That said, the deal remains financially sensitive. Arsenal aren’t known for overspending and will likely try to include structured payments, performance bonuses, or even player exchanges to smooth the deal. Still, with the player pushing from his side, Sporting may have no option but to negotiate.
Final Thoughts
If this all unfolds as expected, Sporting CP will wave goodbye to one star striker and welcome another. Viktor Gyokeres has been a revelation since his arrival from Coventry City, but all good things come to an end. In Luis Suarez, the Lions may have found someone who can not only replicate Viktor Gyokeres’ goal tally but bring a fresh dynamic to Amorim’s tactical setup.
For fans of the club, the hope is that this summer doesn’t represent a step backwards but the beginning of a new chapter. And for Suarez, the move to Lisbon could be the biggest leap forward of his career.
As always in football, nothing is official until it’s signed, sealed, and announced — but signs point to major movement in the Portuguese capital in the days ahead.
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