Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a move to Arsenal after effectively going on strike to force through a transfer, and Sporting Lisbon fans have made their feelings clear towards the striker
09:38, 18 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is close to leaving Sporting
Sporting Lisbon supporters have delivered a scathing message to Viktor Gyokeres as the forward edges closer to an Arsenal switch.
Gyokeres, who is eager to join the Gunners, has effectively gone on strike in an attempt to push through the move. Talks between the clubs have been drawn out, and Arsenal have tabled an improved bid which reportedly includes a significantly lower commission for the player's agent.
Sporting fans didn't hold back their feelings during their first pre-season match against Celtic on Wednesday, which Brendan Rodgers' team won 2-0, by unfurling banners directed at Gyokeres.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported that one banner proclaimed: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay."
Another declared: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are."
One of the messages from Sporting fans about Viktor Gyokeres
One of the messages from Sporting fans aimed at Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres has been a goal machine for Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 outings in all competitions since his transfer from Coventry in 2023 for approximately £20million.
The 27-year-old has been instrumental in Sporting's two league championship triumphs and a Taca de Portugal, yet his successful spell could end on a bitter note as he faces a fine for refusing to show up for pre-season training.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas told Agencia Lusa. "We're calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine and an apology to the group. If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we'll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.
"If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave. No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are."
OEIRAS, PORTUGAL - MAY 25: Goal scorer Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates with the trophy after winning the Portuguese Cup Final at the end of the Portuguese Cup 2024/2025 - Final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional on May 25, 2025 in Oeiras, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Sporting fans have made their feelings clear towards Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Gualter Fatia, Getty Images)
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When asked about his future in a recent interview with L'Equipe, Gyokeres expressed his ambition to prove himself in the Premier League, having failed to make a single appearance in England's top flight during his time at Brighton.
Gyokeres said: "It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it's something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge."
He added: "It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it, we'll see what happens. If something is going to happen, it will happen. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.
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"I'm definitely one of the [best strikers in the world]. It's difficult to rank me but yes, I'm at the same table as them now. What I managed to do at Sporting, I'm convinced I can do anywhere. You haven't seen the best of Gyokeres yet."