Arsenal star breaks rank as Mikel Arteta’s comment on transfer target ignored

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has described Viktor Gyokeres as a 'top player' after boss Mikel Arteta tellingly refused to comment amid links of a big-money move to the Emirates.

The 26-year-old Gyokeres has scored no fewer than 24 goals in 17 games this season for Sporting Lisbon, which welcomes the Gunners to Portugal for a Champions League match on Tuesday. Arsenal are still without a natural goalscorer, leading to speculation that Arteta could make a move for the Swedish striker during the January transfer window.

Raya apparently welcomed Gyokeres' arrival, saying as he sat next to boss Arteta at the pre-match press conference: “We know his strengths, how he runs behind a lot and scores a lot in one-on-ones and he's a top player .” player in shape.

“We're going to try to keep him very, very quiet. Don't give him any chance. We have to get up defensively. Hopefully we can do a great job and keep a clean sheet.”

Unlike Raya, Arteta remained tight-lipped when asked about the former Coventry City star, instead choosing to focus on Sporting's 19-match unbeaten run. “I would like to talk about the team, about the coaches and how phenomenal they have been,” raved the Arsenal manager.

“The run they're on is incredible. That tells you it's not just the quality, the intent and the ambition, it's something about the team energy they have. That's a great challenge we have tomorrow to get here and make a statement and show that we are capable against these types of opponents. Be ourselves and win the match.”

When pressed to talk about Gyokeres, he replied: “I understand the question, but they have a lot of individual qualities. That's why they can win games in different ways. And yes, in the specific position they have great players.”

Gyokeres memorably scored a hat-trick in Sporting's 4-1 win over Manchester City last month, one of 17 victories for the Portuguese champions this season. A host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Manchester United have been linked, with La Liga giants Barcelona reportedly also interested.

Sports chairman Frederico Vandaras does not believe that the 26-year-old will leave Lisbon in January. This is despite reports that the club are willing to sell him for £63m, below his release clause. “I can't promise anything. If a club arrives and pays the release clause, if he wants to go, he will go,” Varandas said. “But I don't think this will happen in January.”