Viktor Gyokeres and his uncle have both delivered major updates on the Sporting CP striker's transfer plans this summer amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United
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Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres poses with his medal after the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Vitoria Guimaraes SC at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, on May 17, 2025
Manchester United have been linked with Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United and Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has admitted he prefers Lisbon over London following his uncle's bombshell transfer update.
The Sporting CP striker, 26, has become one of Europe's most sought-after forwards after scoring an impressive 96 goals in 101 appearances since moving to Portugal two years ago. United earlier this season were thought to be leading the race for the prolific Swede’s signature, thanks to his close relationship with their head coach and former Sporting boss, Ruben Amorim.
In recent months, however, it has become more likely that Arsenal is the more appealing option for the forward, thanks to their Champions League qualification and upward trajectory compared to the Red Devils. The Gunners' new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is also said to be a huge admirer of Gyokeres.
Even so, it was widely reported earlier this week that the north London club are still undecided about whether they want the £60million-rated Gyokeres to spearhead their attack next season, as Mikel Arteta also rates RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko highly.
But Gyokeres may have already ruled out a move to the Gunners, judging by his comments ahead of this weekend’s Taca de Portugal final between Sporting and Benfica.
In a recent interview with Portuguese publication A Bola, Gyokeres was asked to choose between London and Lisbon as an attempt to bait him into revealing his summer transfer plans.
He responded: "I prefer Lisbon because I live here now. And yes, I like living here,” hinting that his future lies in the Portuguese capital, or merely that he’s reluctant to give anything away.
It comes after the former Coventry City star’s uncle, Chris, recently claimed Gyokeres and his family had decided in a meeting that he would not leave this summer.
Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey on the same day that Gyokeres found the net to seal the title for Sporting, he began by saying: "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!"
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres prefers Lisbon to London(Image: Getty Images)
Chris added that the family had already discussed Viktor’s potential move when questioned if they felt a connection to Sporting: “Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”
And when asked whether Gyokeres will stay at the club this summer, he replied: “Yes, we think so.”
Those comments would have alarmed United and Arsenal, though Gyokeres himself has since downplayed his uncle’s remarks, making it very clear he is yet to decide who he will play for next season.
He said about his family: "They really like Portugal; I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere.
“But it's football and that's another thing. We'll see what happens. Yes [I would like to win a third title with Sporting], but we'll see. I don't know what will happen in the summer... Let’s see what happens."
While Arsenal's interest remains clear, United's chase for Gyokeres seems to have lost momentum in recent months as they've shifted their focus towards Ipswich Town's £30m striker, Liam Delap, and Wolves' Matheus Cunha.
In the latest update on Cunha, United will trigger the £62.5m release clause for the Wolves star when the season ends this weekend, according to Sky Sports. United are reportedly aware of the conditions required to trigger the clause but there has been no 'direct contact' between the clubs so far, with talks set to commence after the season concludes.