Viktor Gyokeres' uncle has dropped a bombshell on the striker's future, insisting he will remain at Sporting CP despite the strong transfer links to Arsenal. The 26-year-old Swedish star has been in scintillating form for the Portuguese giants, netting an impressive 96 goals in just 101 appearances over two seasons.
Arsenal, keen to bolster their attacking options, have had their eye on Gyokeres as they prepare for the summer transfer window. Andrea Berta, the Gunners' new sporting director, is said to be a huge fan and is eager to convince Mikel Arteta that Gyokeres is the perfect fit for the team's frontline as they look to go one better and win the Premier League next season.
Gyokeres once again showcased his goalscoring talents with a crucial strike in Sporting's 2-0 victory over Vitoria, clinching back-to-back Liga Portugal titles. In a revealing interview conducted on the day of the triumph, Chris, Gyokeres' uncle, expressed his elation.
"I'm super happy, this is amazing," he said. "We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!"
Chris then made a surprising revelation about Viktor's future after being questioned about his nephew's sense of belonging at Sporting, adding: "Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay."
In a brief but telling comment about whether he thinks Gyokeres will remain at the club this summer, he added: "Yes, we think so.
"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, however, took a more guarded approach when discussing his prospects before Sunday’s Taca de Portugal showdown with Benfica, saying to Noticias: "Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals."
Yet, facing further questions about his plans after the season, the former Coventry City forward hesitated before stating: "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."
Whether Arsenal and Berta are swayed by his uncle’s confident remarks or if Gyokeres himself is leaning more towards staying after securing the league title remains to be seen.
Amid these mixed signals, Portuguese publication O Jogo boldly suggested this week that Gyokeres is all but set for a move to Arsenal, with their cover headline declaring: "Swede on his way to Arsenal".
The report further claimed that a £58.9million agreement has been reached between the two clubs, with only personal terms left to be finalised.
Yet, Arsenal have also been heavily linked with other forwards, such as Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.