In spite of suggestions that Arsenal are prioritising Benjamin Sesko, the Gunners have held a new meeting with Viktor Gyokeres’ agent, with the player furious at Sporting CP.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 22: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Just as Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be winding down, new reports have suggested the Gunners are very much still in the race for his signature.
Portuguese outlets Record and CNN Portugal both confirm that Gyokeres’ agent held a meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday, marking a new phase of contact between the striker and the Gunners.
Record suggest a formal bid is in the works, and that Arsenal are closer than any other club to making that offer. Though they add that Manchester United, Juventus, and a couple of Saudi Arabian clubs are interested.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 5: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
In the meantime, Gyokeres’ relationship with his current club has reached a boiling point.
Sporting CP president told the media this week that the striker would not be allowed to leave for €60-70m, and that the player’s agent should stop playing games. Though he did reiterate that the club won’t force anyone to pay Gyokeres’ full €100m release clause.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Gyokeres is “furious” at the development, seemingly believing he had a deal with his club to let him go for a bid in that €60-70m range. The player has removed references to Sporting from his Instagram bio over the last few days.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 22: Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting Lisbon in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between RB Leipzig and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Leipzig Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
All of that had seemed irrelevant to Arsenal, amid reports that the Gunners were advancing in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. But if the club are still holding meetings with Gyokeres’ camp, clearly nothing is done yet.
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