Arsenal
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Viktor Gyokeres has issued a firm ultimatum to Sporting CP, demanding a move to Arsenal and vowing not to return to the club until a deal is completed, according to reports.
The Sweden international, who enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 campaign with 54 goals in 52 appearances to help Sporting clinch a domestic double, is eager to secure a Premier League switch to north London. Arsenal are currently leading the race for his signature, should they choose to prioritise him over RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, their other main striker target this summer.
Tensions have soared between Gyokeres and Sporting in recent weeks, with the forward’s relationship with the Portuguese giants deteriorating rapidly. The fallout follows Sporting president Frederico Varandas’ insistence that there is no gentleman’s agreement in place to allow the 26-year-old to leave for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, a figure the player’s camp believes was agreed.
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The dispute has sparked a bitter standoff between Sporting and Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, threatening to derail what the striker views as a dream move. A source close to the player reportedly told the press: “Gyokeres will never forgive those responsible” if the transfer falls through.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sporting are due to begin pre-season training next week, but Gyokeres has made it clear to Varandas and the club hierarchy that he “does not want and will not” return unless his future is resolved. The Swede has already informed close friends and family that he expects to be playing under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal next season, having turned down interest from Manchester United and Juventus.
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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta met with Sporting officials earlier this month to explore a potential deal. However, the Gunners’ opening bid worth €55 million plus €10 million in add-ons was swiftly rejected. Gyokeres’ release clause stands at €100 million, but Sporting are said to be flexible, while remaining firm on receiving a significant fee.
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue parallel negotiations with RB Leipzig for Sesko, who is believed to be Arteta’s first-choice target. Talks have yet to yield a breakthrough, with Leipzig holding out for a fee close to €100 million and the striker’s camp reportedly making excessive demands, prompting the Gunners to consider walking away from the deal.
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