Real Madrid were offered the chance to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but they are focusing on other targets as new boss Xabi Alonso begins to shape his squad
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Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres could be on the move this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid have turned down the opportunity to sign Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres this summer. Gyokeres is looking to move to pastures new this summer, having enjoyed another prolific campaign for Sporting Lisbon.
The 27-year-old netted 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions as Sporting did the double, winning the Primeira Liga and the Taca de Portugal. Mirror Football understands that Gyokeres prefers a move to Arsenal ahead of any other club, but a dispute between the player and Sporting has threatened any deal.
Sporting have denied suggestions there was a 'gentleman's agreement' in place for Gyokeres to leave for £60million, with the club's president publicly criticising the striker's agent. "I want to make one thing clear: we at Sporting have common sense,” Frederico Varandas told Record.
"We said two things (at the start of the season): that we would not demand €100million and that the value would depend on the performance of Viktor. How did he perform? Sixty-three goals, 17 assists (for club and country), fantastic form, one of the best seasons in the history of Portuguese football.
"Even then, Sporting will not demand his release clause. But people should know that threats, blackmail and insults will not work with me. I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres won't leave here for €60m plus €10m in add-ons. He won't, and the game the agent is playing will only make the situation worse. As of now, we haven't had one offer for him."
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Madrid are in the market for a new striker and were offered the chance to sign Gyokeres. But, as first reported by the Athletic, while the Swede may be liked by some at the Bernabeu, he is simply too expensive for what they want. Los Blancos want a No.9 to act as backup to Kylian Mbappe, someone who offers an aerial threat if required late in games. Joselu gave them that in 2023-24, but after his exit, it was lacking last term.
Reports have claimed that Gyokeres is prepared to go on strike in a bid to force through moves and he has addressed those claims on social media. "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right," he said on Instagram.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Gyokeres, with Arsenal also considering moves for Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins. The Gunners are to make any signings so far this summer, but manager Mikel Arteta has told fans to expect a "big summer" in the transfer market and Sesko is believed to be his No.1 target.
Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sporting
Real Madrid have turned down the chance to sign Gyokeres
"It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it," he said. "The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different.
"But now when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. I think Andrea [Berta] is a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team, a team that is already formed with a lot of great people.
"Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary. But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team."
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