Pedro Goncalves, a teammate of Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting Clube de Portugal, has disclosed that the entire squad is urging the striker to stay put amidst interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 26-year-old Swedish star has been on Arsenal's radar for some time following their attacking woes this season. Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus meant Mikel Arteta was forced to use Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker.
United's season has also been marred by their lacklustre attack, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to deliver consistent threats upfront.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, has been a revelation for Sporting, netting an impressive 96 goals in 101 appearances.
It's no wonder top European clubs are vying for his signature this summer. However, the Sweden international has yet to reveal his next move, with a departure from Lisbon looking increasingly likely in the summer transfer window.
During Sporting's title celebrations last Saturday, Goncalves gave a significant hint about Gyokeres' future.
Ahead of the Portugal Cup final against Benfica on May 25, Goncalves was once again asked about the prolific striker.
When questioned if he had urged Gyokeres to stay, he told Portuguese channel Canal 11: "I did and so did the whole squad. He says he's not a fortune teller.
"We still have the Portuguese Cup against Benfica to play. I have a very good relationship with him, but I don't talk about it with him."
Goncalves has made a point of remaining detached from the speculation surrounding Gyokeres, stating: "What I know is because of Fabrizio Romano... I'm sticking with him. I don't know if he's going to leave."
Several reports in Portugal have gone so far as to suggest that Arsenal and Sporting have already reached an agreement.
On Monday, the front page of Portuguese newspaper O Jogo featured the headline: 'Swede on his way to Arsenal.'
It’s also reported that the Gunners are prepared to pay £58.9 million, with only personal terms left to finalise.
However, a reunion between Ruben Amorim and Gyokeres could also be on the cards if United clinch the Europa League title on Wednesday night.
Success in Bilbao would secure Champions League qualification and provide the financial muscle to support Sporting’s ambitions in the summer transfer market.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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