Viktor Gyokeres' agent has reportedly made significant strides towards securing a Premier League move for the Sporting CP sensation.
Manchester United supporters are set to be disappointed as Hasan Cetinkaya is believed to have opened formal discussions with Arsenal's hierarchy. The atmosphere in Lisbon has seemingly soured following revelations that Gyokeres is dissatisfied at Sporting.
The Swedish striker was under the assumption a gentleman's agreement would permit his departure for about £59million this summer. However, after netting an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games for the Lions, Sporting are seemingly determined to hold out for his full £85m release clause.
This has led to speculation that Gyokeres might resort to striking in order to push through his desired transfer. CNN Portugal (via the Mirror) reported Cetinkaya met with Arsenal's owners on Wednesday in an attempt to fast-track the transfer.
Last month saw Arsenal delegates visit Lisbon to negotiate a potential deal for Mikel Arteta's target. The latest developments indicate discussions are "very advanced." While there have been previous meetings between Arsenal and Sporting, it now seems proceedings are taking a more serious shape as a potential agreement looms.
Reports are indicating a switch to the Emirates has always been Gyokeres' top choice "from the very beginning." And this could leave United manager Ruben Amorim, who brought him to Sporting from Coventry, on the outside looking in.
However, Gyokeres, 27, is said to be settled in Lisbon, and his entourage have made their preference for him to stay clear. At the Taca de Portugal final, which saw him play a pivotal role in pushing the game to extra time before securing the victory, his uncle Chris confirmed as much to Sport.TV.
When asked if the family felt a strong connection to Lisbon, he replied: "Yes, very much. Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, at the Taca de Portugal final
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, wants him to stay in Lisbon (Image: RVB)
Gyokeres' partner, Ines Aguiar, is also advocating for him to stay in Lisbon. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported she has "promised" to try her best to persuade him to reject a move and instead embrace another year at Sporting amid the growing transfer talk.
Gyokeres himself seems to have dismissed the thought of moving back to his homeland. In an interview with Swedish Vogue, he said: "After living in a warm country, it would be difficult.
"In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialise on the weekends. Here there is more life during the week. They have dinners with friends, a glass of wine on Monday. I like that."
Viktor Gyokeres's actress girlfriend, Ines Aguiar
The actress could play a big role in her boyfriend's transfer fate (Image: inesvarzeaaguiar/Instagram)
It seems Arsenal could be pulling ahead in their pursuit as talks progress. Arteta appears determined to bolster his front line by adding a top-tier striker, aiming to rectify last season's failings.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left Arsenal in a bind last season despite calls for reinforcements to the forward line. This situation thrust new signing Mikel Merino into the spotlight as he was tasked with leading the attack for spells of the campaign.
The Spaniard rose to the challenge in his temporary role, netting 10 goals between January and May. However, Arsenal recognise the need for a more natural striker, and the allure of Champions League football could give them an edge over United.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP is interviewed after being awarded the PlayStation Player of the Match award at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City
Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting (Image: David Ramos/UEFA via Getty Images)
United are also feeling the pressure after a record-low 15th-place finish in the Premier League. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have not lived up to expectations at Old Trafford, leaving Amorim eager to put his stamp on the squad.
Gyokeres isn't the only striker on Arsenal's radar this summer. The club have also been linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, with the hierarchy reportedly interested in the Slovenia international.
However, recent developments suggest Gyokeres remains Arsenal's top choice if they can secure him. And it appears the feeling is mutual as one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer steps up a notch.
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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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