Viktor Gyokeres’ uncle claims the striker will remain with Sporting CP beyond this summer despite growing speculation over a transfer to Arsenal.
The former Coventry City star, 26, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe over the past two seasons, netting 96 goals in 101 appearances since joining the Portuguese club.
With Arsenal on the hunt for a prolific frontman this summer, it's understood their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, holds Gyokeres in high regard and will look to persuade Mikel Arteta that the Swede is the right man to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium.
Gyokeres' goalscoring prowess was on display in Sporting’s recent 2-0 victory over Vitoria, which secured the club’s second consecutive Liga Portugal title. And speaking during an interview on the same day, Gyokeres’ uncle, Chris, dropped a major bombshell about his nephew’s future.
Proudly wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey, he said: “I'm super happy, this is amazing. We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!”
Chris went on to reveal that his family had already discussed Viktor’s transfer plans when asked if he felt they belonged at Sporting, adding: “Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”
And he offered his thoughts in four words when asked whether Gyokeres will remain at the club this summer by replying: “Yes, we think so.”
He continued: “We hope so, because watch this, we love it, it's amazing, the country, the people and Sporting. And the lions, we love them!”
Gyokeres himself did not confirm or deny those comments when fielding a question about what the future holds ahead of Sunday’s Taca de Portugal final against rivals Benfica.
Viktor Gyökeres' uncle
Viktor Gyokeres' uncle says the Swede will not leave Sporting CP this summer (Image: X@Sporting_CPAdep)
Speaking to Portuguese TV channel SIC Noticias, he said: “Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals."
When pushed for further details on whether he plans to stay beyond the summer, he replied: “We’ll see. It’s the future. Football is like that, you never know what’s going to happen.
“As we saw this season, you never know what’s going to happen. And it’s the same thing now. We’ll see what the future holds."
Prior to developing into a world class player at Sporting, Gyokeres spent two-and-a-half seasons with Coventry in the Championship. He scored 40 goals in 97 appearances for The Sky Blues.
It is unclear if Arsenal and Berta will take much notice of his uncle’s comments or whether Gyokeres’ own stance has shifted towards staying put following his title-clinching heroics.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo boldly stated earlier this week that Gyokeres is poised to join the north London club. The publication ran with a front page headline which translated to: "Swede on his way to Arsenal".
The report claimed a £58.9million deal has been agreed between the two clubs, with only personal terms left to be settled. However, Arsenal have also been heavily linked with several other forwards, including Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.