Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has sparked further speculation over his future by posting a cryptic message on Instagram, as interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United continues to grow.
The 26-year-old forward, who has an £84 million (€100m) release clause, took to his Instagram story to issue a rare public comment amid the ongoing transfer saga. “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it false. I will speak when the time is right,” he wrote, offering little clarity on a situation that is growing increasingly tense behind the scenes.
Gyokeres’ message comes amid a standoff between his representatives and Sporting CP, with conflicting reports about whether a gentleman’s agreement over a reduced fee was ever in place. According to Portuguese outletRecord, the Swedish striker was initially given verbal assurances that he could leave this summer for €60 million (£51m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons.
However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has now publicly denied such an arrangement, insisting no official bids have been received for the player and issuing a stern warning about attempts to pressure the club.
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“One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas said. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m+10m because I never promised him that.”
THIS IS WHAT GYOKERES MEANT BY THIS POST😳#gyokeres pic.twitter.com/Wsm9seqBCC
— boodsbants (@boodsbants) June 12, 2025
Varandas added that while Sporting had expressed willingness not to demand the full €100 million clause, there was no fixed price ever agreed. “In that meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the departure to a value, he spoke of 60 million, 70 million… And I said, ‘There’s no point in setting a value.’”
The Sporting president also revealed that he had not been in contact with Gyokeres or his agent since that meeting nearly a year ago. “From then on, I never spoke to the agent again. I never spoke to the player about departures and values. Ten months have passed and I see the agent in the press spouting information here and there.”
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Gyokeres is reportedly frustrated by the U-turn and has gone as far as removing all references to Sporting, Sweden, and even his sponsor Nike from his Instagram profile. Though he still has three years left on his contract, the striker is believed to be determined to seek a new challenge after winning back-to-back league titles and a domestic double in Portugal.
According to A Bola, Gyokeres’ agent has recently held meetings in London with Arsenal, as the Gunners explore their striker options. However, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is believed to remain their primary target.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also monitoring the situation closely, with Mail Sport reporting that the club has maintained contact with Gyokeres’ representatives. A reunion with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim could be on the table, should Amorim take a role at Old Trafford.
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