Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal and Man United remain in the race for Viktor Gyokeres amid the drama surrounding him at Sporting CP.
Arsenal are on the hunt to sign a striker this summer, as they look to finally fill the number nine spot at the Emirates. Last season, Mikel Arteta was forced to play Kai Havertz up front instead, until he suffered an injury in February.
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The Gunners have been linked to three major striker names so far this summer. Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has held talks, but it is understood his wage demands are too high.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a potential alternative to Sesko in recent days. He has also attracted the interest of Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Finally, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres remains a target for Arsenal, however, his situation at Sporting CP makes any deal for him potentially very complicated.
Romano provides Arsenal and Gyokeres update
Transfer Journalist Fabrizio Romano is keeping close tabs on Gyokeres’ situation at Sporting CP, and he’s provided an update, which indicates why there has been no movement from both the Gunners and Man United on a move for the Swedish international so far.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “The President of Sporting Frederico Varandas announced in public that he doesn’t sell Gyokeres for €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£60m total)…The final fee will probably be around €80m-€85m (£69m-£73m) according to Sporting.
“But the answer coming from Viktor Gyokeres is very clear. Gyokeres spoke directly to the President and told them that he doesn’t want to play for Sporting again. He wants the pact that was made one year ago to be respected (€60m plus €10m in add-ons). So, at the moment, Gyokeres has no intention to show up for training, he feels betrayed.”
Romano continued to say that Gyokeres continues to give priority to Arsenal, with interest also coming from Man United. He finalised by saying: “The price is the crucial part. Sporting remain on their position, but now, a big fight back from the player.”
How will the Gyokeres situation be resolved?
The issue that Gyokeres himself has, is that he wants to leave, so is hoping that Sporting will be willing to sell him for £60m in total. If he feels so strongly about the transfer fee, it may be the case that Arsenal have said they are willing to pay £60m for him, but not Sporting’s desired price of around £70m.
If that is the case, then it would make sense for Gyokeres to be ‘fighting back’ as he has prioritised a move to the Emirates, and actively wants to come to North London and play with the Gunners.
Either way, there will have to be a compromise either on one side or both sides, not to mention that Arsenal could step in and suggest a fee themselves in order to force some movement from Sporting.
Click here to see our statistical comparison of Gyokeres, Sesko and Ekitike, and which one Arsenal should sign this summer.