Arsenal have been searching for a new striker this summer and Viktor Gyokeres could be left disappointed amid claims the Gunners have reached an agreement with Benjamin Sesko
Comments
Sport
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal this summer - but isn't their preferred option
(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres headed into the summer transfer window as a man in demand - but the Sweden star could yet miss out on a dream move to Arsenal after a twist in proceedings.
The Gunners and Manchester United have both been heavily linked with the Sporting Lisbon striker, 27, after watching Gyokeres enjoy another stellar campaign with the Portuguese champions. And it emerged last week that Gyokeres' preference is a move to the Emirates, rather than Old Trafford.
Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have long been touted as the most likely options to fill Arsenal's No.9 vacancy - with Mirror Football understanding that, of the two, the RB Leipzig man has long been the preferred option.
With news breaking in Germany on Wednesday that Arsenal have 'reached an agreement on personal terms' with Sesko, it seems Gyokeres could be the odd man out this summer.
Arsenal's play for Sesko follows reports in Portugal that Real Madrid were offered the former Coventry City man's services. But Los Blancos are in the market for back-up striker, rather than someone who would command a significant first-team role like Gyokeres, and will not be signing him.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Gyokeres update, Arsenal striker 'agreement', eye-watering Wirtz paymentREAD MORE: Viktor Gyokeres REJECTS meeting as Arsenal transfer saga turns ugly
It remains to be seen if Gyokeres would reconsider - or be more inclined to negotiate - a move to Manchester United, who have turned their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, but are monitoring the possibility of a reunion for Gyokeres and head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils are unable to offer European football, which is thought to be one of the reasons Gyokeres initially favoured a move to Arsenal. But he may eventually end up with little choice, with a number of Gyokeres' supposed preferred options this summer - Liverpool, PSG, Manchester City and Barcelona among them - just not in the market for the Swedish hitman.
And, unfortunately for Gyokeres - and potentially United - there are other elements at play, too: Sporting have refuted claims that the striker is available for less than his release clause, with tensions now at an all-time high.
Reports in Germany claim Arsenal have struck an agreement on personal terms with Benjamin Sesko
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres was also offered to Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Record have since claimed that Sporting approached Gyokeres' representatives in a bid to arrange clear the air talks, only for the player and his camp to rebuff them.
Federico Varandas, the Sporting president, has already gone public to take aim at the player's agent and to make it clear that Gyokeres will not be sold on the cheap. He: "One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season."
It's a long summer and there are a lot of twists and turns to come. But as it stands, Viktor Gyokeres future is anything but certain - and there is an increasingly more likely scenario where he is left with nowhere to go.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.