On Wednesday morning, we covered the unfolding drama between Viktor Gyökeres and Sporting CP, or rather between the player’s agent and the Portuguese club.
Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in the Sweden international and the Portuguese media had been informed some time ago, by the player’s camp, that it had been agreed he could be purchased for €60m plus €10m in bonuses.
Sporting were said to be willing to sell the striker for far less than his €100m release clause, and then recent reports stated they’d push for something close to €80m instead Stories were then leaked to the Portuguese media about Gyökeres being prepared to essentially go on strike and share his anger publicly.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas beat him to it and made it very clear, very publicly, that his club haven’t agreed to the €60m+€10m deal. There was an assurance €100m wouldn’t be demanded but no figures were attached to that.
O Jogo quote Varandas as saying: “You should know me better by now. Threats, blackmail, insults, they don’t work with me. And I can guarantee one thing, Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for 60 plus 10. He won’t leave (for that amount) because I never promised him that and with this game that the agent is playing, the situation will only get worse.”
Arsenal and Manchester United continue to be linked with the player. Juventus are also in the picture but it’s thought Saudi clubs don’t stand a chance.
Despite the interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and others, Sporting haven’t received any offers. That will be because the player’s agent has been trying to handle it himself, get the offers from clubs, at that €60m plus €10m level, present it to the Portuguese side and then seal a deal. Likely with a hefty commission as a reward for negotiating a lower price.
O Jogo report the agent met with Arsenal officials in London on Wednesday. The Gunners have seemingly been deliberating over signing the Swede or Benjamin Šeško, and the cost will certainly play a part.
The purpose of the meeting was to prepare an offer to be presented to Sporting, that would be a ‘formal proposal’, say O Jogo.
According to the same newspaper, Manchester United appear to be a little further back and need to arrange some exits. Whether that’s just O Jogo’s assumption isn’t clear.
Record: Meeting with Arsenal and Manchester United – Offer for Viktor Gyökeres on the way
Over at Record, they say Gyökeres and his agents insist on their version of events and that Sporting director Hugo Viana, who has since moved to Manchester City said the player could go for the amounts mentioned.
Record also report a meeting in London with Arsenal, but they state they’ve learned the agent met Manchester United as well. The agent is expected to present an offer to Sporting in the next few hours, although it’s not clear from which club.
Record say Sporting want at least €80m.
A Bola also report the meeting with Arsenal and say a proposal is expected in the next few hours, with the Gunners said to be in a rush.
According to a separate A Bola report, Manchester United remain in the picture, even if Arsenal are presented as being ahead. The Red Devils are said to have been playing catch up this week, trying to muscle their way in.
And that’s today’s Viktor Gyökeres round-up!