Viktor Gyokeres' actress girlfriend has promised to persuade the forward to remain at Sporting CP this summer.
That is despite reports elsewhere claiming that Arsenal bosses ramped up their pursuit of Gyokeres by jetting off to Lisbon this past weekend to meet with the 26-year-old’s agent.
Gyokeres played a key role in Sunday's Taca de Portugal final against Benfica, winning and slotting home a vital penalty to take the match into extra-time, before Sporting sealed a 3-1 victory over their rivals.
Gyokeres' girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who hails from Lisbon, cheered on the Swede at the game while wearing a Sporting jersey.
Aguiar at one point was swarmed by fans and had to field questions over Gyokeres' future. According to Portuguese publication A Bola, the influencer said in the viral social media clip she “promises” to try to persuade her superstar boyfriend to stay with the club for a third season.
Yet, Correio da Manha reported on Tuesday that Arsenal had sent representatives to Lisbon to negotiate with Gyokeres' agent over a potential transfer.
The report claims the Gunners presented the Portuguese champions with a bid worth €70million (£58.66m), while offering the forward a five-year contract worth €7m (£5.87m) per-year and a signing bonus of €12m (£10.06m).
The Gunners have been strongly linked with Gyokeres in recent weeks as they look to bolster their attacking options for the coming season, following a disappointing campaign in which Mikel Arteta’s side clearly lacked a clinical No. 9.
Reports suggest that while other potential targets like Benjamin Sesko have caught Arsenal's eye, new sporting director Berta is leaning towards bringing in the prolific Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sporting CP
Arsenal reportedly met with Viktor Gyokeres' representatives around the time he won the Portuguese Cup Final (Image: Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
With negotiations now said to be ramping up, it remains unclear whether Gyokeres himself is open to a move to north London. The forward, who has netted a staggering 97 goals in 102 games over two seasons for Sporting, remained tight-lipped when asked about the Arsenal links ahead of Sunday’s final – but did not rule out a move.
When pressed by A Bola to state his preference between London and Lisbon, in a clear attempt to gauge his intentions this summer, Gyokeres answered diplomatically: "I prefer Lisbon because I live here now. And yes, I like living here.”
But it appears his loved ones are pushing for the Sweden international to stay put. Like his girlfriend, Gyokeres’ uncle, Chris, recently voiced his preference and claimed the family had decided in a behind closed doors 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 Liga Portugal title for Sporting, Chris 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!"
Ines Aguiar
Ines Aguiar has spoken out on her boyfriend's future (Image: RVB)
When asked if they felt a connection to Sporting, Chris stated: "Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay."
And after being quizzed further on whether Gyokeres would remain at the club beyond this summer, he replied: "Yes, we think so."
Gyokeres himself was later asked to clarify those comments but played them down, saying: "They [his family] 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."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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