Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has issued an update on his future, less than 48 hours after claims emerged that the forward was left 'disrespected' by Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas.
Gyokeres, 27, is one of the most sought-after attackers in world football after scoring 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting during the 2024/25 season. The Gunners have placed him - and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko - near the top of their summer shopping list, as they look to sign a new No.9.
It had been reported that the Sweden international has gentlemen's agreement in place to leave Sporting for £59 million, after he rejected transfer interest last summer. Gyokeres has an £85m release clause but the Portuguese club were said to have agreed for him to depart for much less.
However, Sporting president Varandas revealed in a press conference on Wednesday that there is no agreement for Gyokeres to leave for £59m in the summer transfer window.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that," Varandas said. "To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres - neither today nor last season."
Reports in Portugal then claimed that Gyokeres was left 'disrespected' about the situation and won't return to Sporting for pre-season. It's added that the ex-Coventry City man would 'rather go on strike' and is willing to 'interrupt his vacation' to speak out about his situation and Sporting's agreement that was in place.
Now, Gyokeres has taken to social media to issue a response, as speculation continues to rise on his future. In an Instagram story, Gyokeres said: "There's a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false.
"I will speak when the time is right."
A post by Viktor Gyokeres on Instagram on June 12, 2025
Viktor Gyokeres took to Instagram amid swirling rumours around his future
Earlier on Thursday, Maisfutebol reported that Arsenal have made a formal offer to sign Gyokeres from Sporting. The Gunners' bid is thought to be £51m with bonuses taking it higher.
While Arsenal have lodged a proposal for Gyokeres, it's understood the amount is below what Sporting see as the ideal number and the Primeira Liga side are wanting a fee in the region of £68m.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are prepared to make an offer of £51m plus £8.5m in add-ons and compete alongside Arsenal for Gyokeres. However, that is not expected to be enough for Sporting.
Speaking earlier last month, Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha provided an update on his future and revealed the club are hoping to keep hold of him. He said: "He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract.
"I think the answer has been given. [Sporting's transfer plans] won’t be any different from last year. We want to keep the best players and retain talent.
"We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts. I have been in this role for seven years. In the years when Sporting were champions, we even made fewer sales than in other years... the fact that we are champions gives us a greater ability to retain players and talent.
"Coincidence or not, we have not had to sell any players in those times. Not that we have not received offers, but the market is not under our control, we are always dependent."
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