The Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga has taken yet another turn which could now force Arsenal to part with even more money to bring the striker to the Premier League this summer
07:48, 20 Jun 2025Updated 07:56, 20 Jun 2025
Viktor Gyokeres looks behind him on the pitch
Viktor Gyokeres' dream move to Arsenal has been dealt a blow(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres' agent reportedly does not have a 'signed letter' from Sporting CP permitting the player to leave for less than his release clause, according to Portuguese media.
The Swedish striker's stellar performances over the last two seasons have attracted interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester United, along with Serie A giants Juventus. It has come to light that Gyokeres is more inclined towards a move to north London under Mikel Arteta, rather than reuniting with his former boss, Ruben Amorim, at Old Trafford.
However, his dream transfer to Arsenal seems to have hit a snag due to the hefty fee demanded by the Portuguese champions. Reports had suggested that the 27-year-old forward could be allowed to leave Sporting for less than his £84m release clause.
His agent, Hassan Cetinkaya, alleged he had a gentleman's agreement with the club last summer, stating they would accept any offer around £60m (€70m including €10m in bonuses), even claiming he had a signed letter as evidence.
Nonetheless, Sporting's president Frederico Varandas has accused Gyokeres' camp of attempting to 'blackmail' the Portuguese giants into letting their star player go. As a result, the club are holding out for a significantly larger sum, which has put a spanner in the works for his potential departure, reports the Mirror.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates by holding his arms out wide for Sporting
There was reportedly no gentleman's agreement to let Viktor Gyokeres leave for less than his release clause(Image: Getty Images)
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on Wednesday, during a conversation between Luís Aguilar, Marco Caneira and Pedro Henriques on the Jogo Aberto podcast, it was claimed that there was indeed no written document signed by Sporting bosses that obliges the club to accept a lower offer.
Former Sporting defender Caneira said: “Sporting are calm, the agent’s main problem is the contract he has with the player, which is coming to an end.”
Co-host and former Benfica star Henriques added: “Gyokeres’ agent’s strategy only creates chaos and discomfort.”
Meanwhile, Portuguese publication A Bola reports that Cetinkaya’s bold claim actually refers to a clause that allows him to receive 10% of any external offer over £51.3m (€60m), which Sporting rejects.
Mikel Arteta stands in the technical area at the Emirates Stadium in a coat
Mikel Arteta is looking to sign a striker this summer(Image: Getty Images)
The report goes on to say that the clause isn't written down on paper but is part of the contract the Swedish star inked in summer 2023 after his switch from Coventry City.
Should that clause be activated, Sporting will then hold out for the full £84m release clause – something that is unlikely to sit well with the forward.
Gyokeres is said to have already threatened to down tools, promising to 'speak at the right time.'
According to A Bola, he is 'very upset' with Sporting's current stance and has made his feelings clear to the club's hierarchy.
Arsenal are keeping their options open however, given the complications around Gyokeres.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is also an option while they weigh up which deal will give them the best value for money.
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United, meanwhile, have so far struggled to follow up their signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, as Tottenham's interest in Bryan Mbuemo has seen that move stall.