Fenerbahce's supporters cheer for their team during the Turkish Super league football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on April 14, 2019 at the Fenerbahce stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho is reportedly preparing a bold move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres should Arsenal’s protracted negotiations for the Swede fall through.
According to Record and as reported in Turkey by Fanatik, Mourinho has informed the Fenerbahçe board that he would welcome Gyökeres to the Turkish club if his highly anticipated transfer to North London fails to materialize.
This potential intervention by Mourinho comes amidst growing frustration from Gyökeres’s camp.
READ:Galatasaray Considers Chelsea Striker as Osimhen Alternative in Ambitious Transfer Strategy
The forward’s representatives have made it clear he has no intention of returning to Sporting and are reportedly prepared to force a loan move if a permanent transfer doesn’t materialize soon. Gyökeres is expected to miss his Friday deadline to report back for training at Sporting’s Alcochete base.
Fenerbahçe is closely monitoring the impasse, spurred on by a desire to match the recent high-profile acquisitions of fierce rivals Galatasaray.
Galatasaray notably secured Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli last season and are now working to make that deal permanent. They’ve also added Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich, putting pressure on Fenerbahçe to make a significant statement in the transfer market.
Fenerbahçe’s potential approach for Gyökeres could mirror Galatasaray’s successful strategy with Osimhen, with an initial loan deal being explored, though a permanent transfer isn’t off the table.
However, any move would be contingent on Arsenal officially abandoning their pursuit.
The Gunners remain locked in talks with Sporting, who are holding out for a guaranteed €70 million.
Arsenal’s most recent offer of €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons was rejected. Despite the €5 million difference in guaranteed fees, there’s cautious optimism that an agreement between Arsenal and Sporting will be reached by the end of the week.