The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' future as Arsenal inch closer and Manchester United's interest in the prolific Sporting CP and Sweden forward cools
16:08, 03 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP looks dejected after the 2-1 loss during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Club Brugge KV and Sporting Clube de Portugal
The future of Viktor Gyokeres is close to finally being resolved(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has been the talk of the summer transfer, with persistent rumours linking the striker with both Manchester United and Arsenal.
The forward has turned heads since his 2023 switch to Sporting CP, where he's blossomed into one of the world's most feared No. 9s. Gyokeres' staggering record boasts 97 goals in 102 outings for Sporting, helping them clinch two Primeira Liga titles.
United had shown interest in the 27-year-old, who played under Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting, although they appear to have moved on to other targets, like Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.
The favourites to land the player are Arsenal, who are on the hunt for a striker after finding themselves without a recognised centre-forward for the latter half of last season. The Gunners have been tracking both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
While neither club has yet tabled an offer tempting enough for Sporting to part ways with their star man, it's evident that Gyokeres is keen on a Premier League move following his 54-goal season. Here's a round-up of the latest Gyokeres news...
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is believed to favour a move to Arsenal(Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Arsenal make progress
French publication L'Equipe reported on Tuesday that Arsenal were close to sealing a verbal agreement with the forward over personal terms, including a five-year contract.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that Arsenal and Sporting were in 'advanced talks' over a transfer. The Gunners are said to see the 'finish line' within reach after shifting focus from Sesko, whom they pursued last summer before he penned a new deal with Leipzig.
After lengthy negotiations, that deal now appears to be on hold. Gyokeres, not Sesko, seems set for a move to the Emirates despite suggestions that Arteta and his team favoured the latter due to his youth and experience in a more competitive league.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig
Arsenal are looking beyond Benjamin Sesko(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/Getty Images)
Sporting president speaks out
Frederico Varandas, Sporting's outspoken president, has also been a central figure in the ongoing saga surrounding Gyokeres this summer.
He initially took umbrage at a claim made by Gyokeres' agent, who stated there was a gentleman's agreement in place allowing the striker to depart for a fee of £59m - significantly less than his £85m release clause.
However, Varandas has now given Arsenal and United a potential boost by admitting there's a "strong likelihood" Gyokeres will leave the club this summer, possibly for a lower fee. He said: "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.
Ruben Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres won't be reuniting with Ruben Amorim as it stands(Image: PA)
"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."
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Sporting chase replacement
In a further boost for both Arsenal and United, Sporting appear to be preparing for life after Gyokeres. The Lisbon-based club have reportedly targeted Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic.
As per Germanijak.HR, Sporting have tabled a bid of approximately £17m, falling short of the Belgian club's asking price of £25.6m. Besiktas and Frankfurt, along with clubs from Italy, are also believed to be keen on Ivanovic, who bagged 20 goals last season.
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If Sporting secure a prolific striker for less than £30m, it could aid Arsenal and United in their negotiations for Gyokeres, who has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Sporting's hierarchy over his valuation.