Viktor Gyokeres pictured during happier times at Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres pictured during happier times at Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres' summer transfer window drama has ramped up a notch this weekend as Sporting Lisbon entered a war of words with the Swedish striker.
Not for some time has the good will between a player and his club diminished so quickly. It was only May when was embracing president Frederico Varandas after winning the league title.
Now, the forward is on strike as he tries to push through a move away from the club while Varandas has stated that disciplinary action will be taken against Gyokeres because he failed to report to pre-season training. If that was not enough of a clue that he wants to leave, the Swede even took part in an interview with about his desire to play in the .
This bold approach to forcing his exit from Lisbon included a key line which should strike a chord with the recruitment team. "The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me," the striker told the French media website.
It may seem like a small thing but it is certainly something that United can exploit to sign Gyokeres. While Arsenal are thought to be the frontrunners for the Swede, their reluctance to reach Sporting's asking price for the forward will surely be interpreted by Gyokeres as a sign that they just do not want him that much.
For the sake of £9m or thereabouts, would have just paid that if they wanted him badly enough. Gyokeres may be channeling his anger at Sporting currently but eventually that will turn towards annoyance that a team is not meeting their asking price.
If United were to come in soon and make a bid for that met Sporting's asking price, that would not only be met favourably by the Lisbon club but also the striker. It would be a case of showing that they are serious about the Swede and want him to join them thus proving Gyokeres' 'most important thing'.
While the lack of Champions League football is a deterent for some players this summer, if Gyokeres just wants a club to show him they want him, United can do just that.
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