Sinclair Armstrong looks set to remain at Bristol City this window after Goztepe submitted a six-figure bid for the forward.
Reports from Sky Sports yesterday revealed that the Turkish Super Lig side had tabled a £868,000 for the former Queens Park Rangers forward, who has been stuck behind Emil Riis in the pecking order at Ashton Gate. The initial report had stated that The Robins were weighing up the offer from Goztepe, and in a new report from Bristol Live, a verdict has been reached by Gerhard Struber’s side.
Decision Made By City
In a new article from Bristol City correspondent Daniel Carter, it has been revealed that the club are not actively looking to sell the forward ahead of the Friday deadline for the Turkish league. Goztepe are in the market for a new attacking option after the sale of Romulo Cruz to RB Leipzig, and have identified Armstrong as an ideal candidate, as he struggles for minutes in the Championship.
The 22-year-old has appeared in three of the club’s four second-tier games this season, but has only notched up 50 minutes due to the electric start Emil Riis has had since his move from Preston North End. The Irish international also started in City’s EFL Cup second round loss to Fulham, his first start since March when Bristol City travelled to Turf Moor to face title contenders Burnley.
Armstrong has competition in the forward department with Fally Mayulu and Harry Cornick also options for Struber, with the former making two cameo appearances in the league so far this season.
Writers’ View
Despite a big fee being touted by Goztepe for Sinclair Armstrong, Bristol City are likely to hold firm and keep their backup forward. The Irishman has had struggles since arriving from QPR last summer, with just three goals to his name across 43 appearances. However, his EFL experience could be vital to The Robins’ fortunes, especially if Emil Riis’ performances dip as the season continues. Fally Mayulu is also a promising option, but losing a key forward will leave the club very short until January. Of course, free agent options could be considered but there is likely little quality options to choose from, especially if other clubs from the second tier are also offering deals to these players, like Sheffield Wednesday.
