HAPPENING LIVE NOW:Arsenal can finally sign 26-year-old star for £59m, he's now prepared to join the Gunners

Arsenal are likely to sign a marquee centre-forward when the transfer window reopens this summer.

The Gunners have the best defence in the Premier League this campaign but have struggled in the final third amid injuries. The club have netted 17 goals less than Liverpool so far.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have impressed in phases, but the London giants need an elite striker who can score consistently over the entire top-flight season.

According to A Bola, the Gunners have now been handed a huge boost with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres eyeing a return to the Premier League next term.

The Sweden international prefers to join Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester City.

The 26-year-old has a £84 million release clause in his contract, but Sporting CP are prepared to accept £59m for his services. A bidding war could raise the asking price.

Gyokeres previously had a four-year spell with Brighton & Hove Albion but did not make a single Premier League appearance. He may finally get the chance to prove his worth.

Gyokeres would be an outstanding purchase for Arsenal

Jesus picked up a serious knee injury in the FA Cup third round against Manchester United in January. The Brazilian ace may not return to action until November or December.

Havertz is likewise sidelined after hamstring surgery, but the German is predicted to return for pre-season. Despite this, Arsenal desperately need a lucrative option up front.

Gyokeres would be an outstanding acquisition, given his progress over the past few years.

The Swede bagged 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 appearances last term for Sporting CP. He has continued to impress this campaign with 39 goals and nine assists from 40 outings.

Sporting CP were reluctant to negotiate on the buy-out clause last summer, but the possibility of signing him for a reduced package this year should attract interest from plenty of suitors.

Gyokeres would be perfect for the Gunners. Aside from his goal contributions, he is also good with the ball at his feet and can hold-up play effectively against defenders.

He also likes to keep opposition defences busy with clever movement in and around the box. At £59m, it appears a no-brainer decision for the Gunners to recruit him.