Arsenal have been handed a boost in their bid to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in the coming months, according to reports from Portugal - with the Swedish striker being given an extra week off by the club, which could speed up a move to the Emirates Stadium over the coming days with Arsenal preparing a bid.
Gyokeres scored 39 goals in 33 Primeira Liga games last season, winning the title as well as scoring a crucial goal in the Portuguese Cup final to complete the double - and his exploits in the Champions League further elevated his status. That has seen Arsenal register their interest in his services and with speculation hotting up, the Swede has been given a week off, fuelling rumours further.
Report: Gyokeres Set For More 'Time Off' Amid Arsenal Links
The striker's move to Arsenal could be on the cards in the coming weeks
viktor gyokeres
The report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo states that Gyokeres has been 'authorised' by Sporting bosses to only show up for pre-season on July 7th, as opposed to their July 1st start date for the reset of the team.
Viktor Gyokeres' Primeira Liga statistics - Sporting squad ranking
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Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
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The Swede will be allowed to enjoy a few more days of his summer, with his presence in the Swedish national team straight after their cup final with Benfica in late May being named as the reason.
Gyokeres, currently on vacation in Greece, is still awaiting a decision on his future, with Arsenal appearing to lead the race for his signature with Mikel Arteta looking to sign a striker, as they are preparing an offer for the Swede in that time period.
Despite their 'significant' progress, a final deal has not yet been concluded between the north London outfit and Sporting, which has potentially led Manchester United and Juventus to battle it out for the former Brighton and Hove Albion star, with Gyokeres intending to play in the Premier League.
Negotiations with the Portuguese champions have not been easy, with Sporting demanding €80million (£68million) to let go of their striker - but Arsenal aren't willing to part with that amount and so far, Andrea Berta has yet to bring in a striker.
However, with the 'unstoppable' Gyokeres set to miss a few extra days of pre-season training, that could be the catalyst for a move to be completed in the next week with a striker being at the top of Arteta's shortlist as he aims to end their five-year wait for silverware.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 29-06-25.
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