Viktor Gyokeres is claimed to have told Sporting CP that he will never play for the club again in an effort to push through his transfer to Arsenal, despite not being the Gunners' top target
11:54, 24 Jun 2025
Viktor Gyokeres looks on for Sporting CP
Viktor Gyokeres phoned Sporting's president in an attempt to force through his Arsenal move, it's been claimed(Image: Diogo Cardoso)
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly taken matters into his own hands by directly phoning Sporting CP's president in order to force through a move to Arsenal
The Swedish forward, who has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with the Gunners, has informed the Portuguese title-holders that he does not plan to return for the 2025/26 season.
Sporting are set to resume training in a week’s time following their summer break, but their star striker is eager to wear the Arsenal jersey, having made his preference for playing at the Emirates Stadium next season abundantly clear.
Portuguese publication Record on Tuesday reported that the 27-year-old, whose representative has already met with Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta, took the initiative to call Sporting president Federico Varandas personally.
During the conversation, Gyokeres is reported to have refused to play another match for Sporting, having played a key role in their league and cup double success this season. He made it very clear that he wants the move to north London this summer at all costs.
Gyokeres is understood to have stated that he would "never forgive" Sporting's bosses if they thwart his potential transfer to Arsenal, as he recognises such an opportunity might not present itself again due to his age.
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The clinical forward allegedly expressed to Varandas that he had given his all to Sporting and that, if they were to accept an offer of £60m (€70m, comprising €60m plus €10m in bonuses), it would be a significantly higher sum than what the club paid Coventry City two years ago.
However, Varandas has already made it clear that the club will not be pressured into selling their star player at a reduced price. Despite claims made by Gyokeres' agent, Hassan Cetinkaya, that a gentleman's agreement is in place from last summer forcing Sporting to let the player leave for a fee lower than his £84m release clause, the club is under no obligation to do so.
Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig celebrates his goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern MÃ1⁄4nchen at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025
Benjamin Sesko is Arsenal's first-choice striker signing(Image: Getty Images)
And no team has submitted an offer of £60m for Gyokeres as of yet. Portuguese reports claim Arsenal’s offer, which wasn’t an official bid, stood at £51m (€50m plus €10m).
That may be down to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s preference to sign another target, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, whose potential arrival at the Emirates this summer would rule out Gyokeres' desired transfer.
According to BBC Sport, a move for Sesko has received "near universal backing" at Arsenal. Yet, the Slovenian’s arrival would be a more expensive package overall than Gyokeres’ transfer.
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The Sun reported last week that Arsenal are currently at a stalemate with Sesko's representatives and are growing frustrated due to his high wage demands. It is claimed that, despite agreeing to match Leipzig's £70m asking price, Arsenal may withdraw from the deal for the 22-year-old.
Gyokeres at this point is well aware that he isn't Arteta's first-choice signing but is doing everything in his power to secure his move to Arsenal, having reportedly even threatened to go on strike. Should Sesko's move fall through, the Swede will expect to become the striker Arsenal have long been searching for.
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