We bring you the latest transfer updates regarding Viktor Gyokeres' potential move to Arsenal and Manchester United, including a new breakthrough and Sporting's transfer fee demands
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating for Sporting CP
Viktor Gyokeres' long transfer saga rampages on(Image: (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
Viktor Gyokeres has been the subject of non-stop speculation this summer as the striker continues to be linked with a transfer to Manchester United or Arsenal. The forward has caught the eye since joining Sporting CP two summers ago, where he has developed into one of the most clinical No. 9s in the world.
Gyokeres’ incredible tally includes 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting on his way to winning two Primeira Liga titles. United have developed an interest in the 27-year-old, partly because of their need for a goal-scorer and partly because Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim was the man who brought the best out of Gyokeres when he signed him from Coventry City.
Yet, they face fierce competition from Arsenal, who are in search of their own striker after being left with no recognised centre-forwards for the second half of last season. The Gunners have been negotiating deals for both the Swede and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in the hope they can complete the transfer that offers the best value.
While neither side has yet come in with an offer that will tempt Sporting into letting their talisman leave, it is clear that Gyokeres wants a move to the Premier League off the back of his 54-goal season. And Mirror Football now takes a look at all of the latest transfer news surrounding Gyokeres in recent days.
French outlet L'Equipe delivered the bombshell news on Tuesday that Arsenal were on the verge of reaching a verbal agreement with the striker over personal terms. It was reported that the agreement would be a five-year deal.
Sky Sports went one step further by claiming Arsenal and Sporting were in 'advanced talks' over a blockbuster deal. Arsenal are said to feel that the 'closing line' is now in sight after moving away from a deal for Sesko, who was courted last summer before signing a new contract with Leipzig.
After negotiating at length for the Slovenian’s move again this summer, the deal is now seemingly on the backburner. It is Gyokeres, rather than Sesko, who looks to be Emirates-bound, despite suggestions that Arteta and his staff preferred the latter due to his younger age and experience playing in a tougher league.
Sporting president speaks out
Frederico Varandas embraces Viktor Gyokeres
Frederico Varandas has admitted the striker is likely to leave
Another key character in the ongoing circus surrounding Gyokeres this summer has been Frederico Varandas. The outspoken Sporting president first took issue with a claim made by Gyokeres’ agent, who said he had a gentleman’s agreement in place whereby the club had promised to let the forward leave for a fee of £59m - considerably less than his £85m release clause.
But Varandas has now handed Arsenal and United a potential boost by admitting there is a "strong likelihood" Gyokeres will leave the club this summer - and for a possible discounted fee - saying: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
“However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor."
Hinting at a potential new price tag, he added: “Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m (euros). He won’t leave, absolutely not.
“In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go [potentially to Arsenal] for £55m, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around £62.5m.
"We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don’t believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world.”
Sporting bid for replacement
Europa League football match second leg between Ajax and Union Saint Gilloise Union Saint-Gilloise player Franjo Ivanovic
Sporting have pursued Franjo Ivanovic as a possible replacement
In another boost to both Arsenal and United’s hopes that Gyokeres will leave Sporting, the Portuguese champions now appear to be looking to replace him. The Lisbon club have reportedly set their sights on Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic in the past week.
As reported by Germanijak.HR, Sporting have lodged a bid of around £17m, which is short of the Belgian club’s valuation of £25.6m. Besiktas and Frankfurt, plus teams in Italy, are also said to be interested in Ivanovic, who netted 20 goals for his side last season.
Sporting landing a striker with a strong goal-scoring record for less than £30m may also help Arsenal and United in their negotiations for Gyokeres, who has been vocal in his frustrations towards the Sporting hierarchy over his price tag until now.