Juventus are looking to steal a march on Arsenal in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with the Italian giants willing to meet the Sporting Lisbon star's £11m-a-year wage demands.
14:53, 16 Jun 2025Updated 14:54, 16 Jun 2025
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring
Viktor Gyokeres has been handed a huge contract offer(Image: PA)
Juventus are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal's move for the Sporting Lisbon star seemingly on hold, and have allegedly tabled a hefty contract offer for the Swede.
Gyokeres, 27, is in high demand following another standout season with the Portuguese champions, sparking interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United. However, a reunion with his former Sporting boss, Ruben Amorim, at Old Trafford now seems less likely.
According to report from The Mirror earlier this month that Gyokeres' preferred destination would be Arsenal, but the Gunners are also chasing Benjamin Sesko.
With Portuguese media suggesting Arsenal have cooled their interest due to Sporting's transfer demands, Juve have seized the opportunity.
As detailed by Corriere dello Sport, the Italian heavyweights are keen to snap up Gyokeres and have signalled to the striker's agents that they're prepared to meet his £11million-a-year salary expectations, reports the Mirror.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sporting Clube de Braga at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 7, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Viktor Gyokeres could be en route to Juventus(Image: Getty Images)
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Elsewhere, it's suggested that Juventus plan to submit a formal bid exceeding £60m in the next few days in an attempt to secure the ex-Coventry City player.
This development could be a significant setback for Arsenal, who remain interested in signing Gyokeres despite alleged 'frustrations' over Sporting's stance on the deal.
Earlier this year, reports the club had a gentleman's agreement with Gyokeres that would let him leave for about £60m - a bit less than his release clause price tag.
But those rumours are up in smoke now and Sporting are fuming at the suggestion and outright denying any such deal.
Frederico Varandas has gone on to pin Gyokeres’ agent as a mischief-maker, saying he's "playing games" as the transfer tale gets a bit of an edge.
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However, Gyokeres is still tipped to leave Portugal this summer.