Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres appears ready to reject the advice of his loved ones in pursuit of a summer transfer to the Premier League. And Manchester United supporters might well be disheartened to hear the player's agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has reportedly met with Arsenal's owners to discuss a deal.
Gyokeres' situation in Lisbon appears to have soured rapidly following reports he is dissatisfied with the club. The Swedish forward believed a 'gentleman's agreement' was in place, allowing him to depart for approximately £59million this summer.
However, after netting 97 goals in 102 games for the Lions, Sporting are said to be holding out for his full £85m release clause. This has sparked rumours Gyokeres could go on strike in order to push through his desired transfer.
CNN Portugal reported Cetinkaya convened with Arsenal's owners on Wednesday, aiming to hasten a deal. Last month, Arsenal delegates reportedly visited Lisbon to negotiate a potential transfer for Sporting's goalscoring machine, reports The Mirror.
The latest developments indicate discussions are 'very advanced.' While Arsenal's envoys have previously engaged with Sporting, it now seems talks have taken a more serious turn as a potential agreement looms.
It's been suggested a move to the Emirates Stadium has always been Gyokeres' top choice 'from the very beginning.' This potential transfer could see United head coach Ruben Amorim, who brought him to Portugal from Coventry City, potentially miss out.
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, wants him to stay at Sporting (Image: RVB)
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, poses for a modelling shoot
The actress "promised" to do her best to convince her beau to remain in Lisbon (Image: inesvarzeaaguiar/Instagram)
Gyokeres' inner circle are keen for him to remain in Lisbon. At the Taca de Portugal final, where he played a pivotal role in lifting the title, his uncle Chris was asked whether the Gyokeres family feel connected to Lisbon and told Sport.TV: "Yes, very much. Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
Moreover, Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, is reportedly behind him staying put as well. A Bola reported she 'promised' to do everything she can to persuade him to sign on for a third campaign with Sporting amid growing transfer interest.
Shunning a return to his homeland, Gyokeres explained to Swedish Vogue why he prefers living abroad. "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 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
The Sweden star is one of the most coveted stars on the market this summer (Image: David Ramos/UEFA via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's side appear to have taken the lead over United after moving forward in negotiations. The Gunners are set on bolstering their squad with a top striker following a gap in last year's performance.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left the club short last season despite calls to add to their forward department. And it left new signing Mikel Merino with the responsibility of leading the line for much of this season.
The Spaniard did well in his makeshift role and scored 10 goals between January and May. However, the Gunners are under no illusion a more natural talent is required up top, and the benefit of offering Champions League football is a major advantage over United.
Gyokeres, 27, isn't the only forward target believed to be on Arsenal's radar. The Gunners have been closely linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the club's hierarchy seemingly keen on the Slovenian.
However, recent developments would suggest Gyokeres remains the preferred pick if the Gunners get their way. And it may mean United are left devastated as a direct rival hoovers up one of the most coveted talents on the market.