Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have emerged as front-runners in the race to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, after the Swedish star rejected a move to Manchester United.
According to reports fromRecord, Gyokeres has made it clear via his agent that he has no interest in joining United, effectively ruling them out of contention. The striker’s snub is a major blow to new United boss Ruben Amorim, who was keen on reuniting with his former player as part of a rebuild at Old Trafford.
United’s lack of European football following a disappointing Premier League campaign and defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final has already cost them key targets. While Matheus Cunha completed a move earlier this week, Manchester City’s Liam Delap chose Chelsea over United. Gyokeres is now the latest to reject the Red Devils.
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With the 26-year-old unwilling to consider United, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit. Sporting director Andrea Berta held talks with Sporting CP officials this week. The Gunners’ initial offer believed to be €55 million (£46.8m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons was turned down, but an improved proposal is expected.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Tensions have risen behind the scenes, with a heated dispute unfolding between Sporting CP and Gyokeres’ representatives. The striker’s camp accuses the Portuguese club of reneging on promises made during his €20 million move from Coventry City in 2023.
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Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly dismissed claims of an agreed €60 million (£51m) fee, and has criticised Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, for “making the situation worse.” The striker’s contract contains a €100 million (£85.1m) release clause, but Sporting had previously been open to a lower fee.
Complicating matters further is a clause in Gyokeres’ deal: Cetinkaya reportedly secured an exclusive sales mandate entitling him to 10% of any rejected offer exceeding €60 million. If the agent chooses to enforce this clause, Sporting could retaliate by demanding the full release clause be met.
Gyokeres, who scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, remains a key target for Arsenal, who are also monitoring RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
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