Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has a verbal agreement to leave Sporting CP this summer for significantly less than his release clause, according to a report.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP scores goal from the penalty spot during the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
In recent days, Arsenal have been much more heavily linked with a summer move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and Fabrizio Romano reports that the player could be available for much less than his €100m (£83.7m) release clause this summer.
Romano claims on his YouTube channel that Gyokeres has a verbal agreement to leave for a bid in the region of €65-70m (£54.4-58.6m) with add-ons. The expectation is that he will do so.
The journalist explains that Sporting and Gyokeres came to that agreement on the basis that the striker wouldn’t push for a move last summer or in January, despite the club losing their manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 5: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Gyokeres has kept up his side of the bargain, sticking with Sporting and helping them to the top of the Liga Portugal and the semi-finals of the Taca De Portugal. In return, he’ll now be granted a summer move.
Romano confirms in another video that Arsenal are one of the clubs after Gyokeres, joining Manchester United and some others in the race.
As it stands, none of the clubs chasing Gyokeres are holding any formal negotiations, so there’s still a way to go before we get any kind of resolution.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 5: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
David Ornstein reported for The Athletic last week that Arsenal are developing a strong interest in Gyokeres as they consider their summer recruitment options up front.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is a big fan of the striker, who is expected to figure prominently among Arsenal’s potential additions in the upcoming window.
The Portuguese media also recently reported that Arsenal had requested a formal meeting with Gyokeres’ agent, who is a friend of Arteta.
The striker has scored a huge 17 penalties for Sporting this season, but he also has 25 goals from open play in his 42 appearances, as well as 11 assists. So even without the penalties (some of which he won himself), 36 goal contributions in 42 games is impressive.
Gyokeres also has nine goals and four assists in his last six matches for Sweden this season.
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