José Mourinho is reportedly ready to move for Viktor Gyökeres should Arsenal walk away from their ongoing negotiations with Sporting CP, according to Correio da Manhã.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 01, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
The Fenerbahçe manager has told the Turkish club’s board that he would welcome the Swedish striker if the transfer to north London collapses, with Sporting continuing to hold out for a guaranteed €70 million.
Mourinho’s interest comes amid continued frustration from Gyökeres’s camp, who have made it clear the forward will not return to Sporting and are prepared to force a loan move should a permanent deal not materialise.
Friday is the deadline for Gyökeres to report back to Sporting’s Alcochete training base, but few expect him to show up.
The Turkish club are said to be monitoring the impasse carefully, buoyed by a determination to counter Galatasaray, who last season signed Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli and are now working to make that move permanent.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Galatasaray have also added Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich, and Fenerbahçe are under pressure to respond in kind.
Fenerbahçe’s interest in Gyökeres could follow a similar model to the Osimhen deal, with a potential loan initially being explored, though a permanent transfer is not ruled out.
However, any approach would only happen in the event Arsenal abandon their pursuit.
The Gunners remain locked in talks with Sporting and are expected to submit a final proposal this week, after their most recent offer of €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons was rejected.
Sporting are still insisting on a €70 million guaranteed fee. Despite the difference, there is cautious optimism that an agreement will be reached before the end of the week.
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