The powers that be at Chelsea and Arsenal are eager to see the club secure a move for Viktor Gyokeres in the upcoming transfer window. However, recent remarks from his inner circle suggest it might be a challenging pursuit for Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta.
The ex-Coventry frontman enjoyed a glittering second season with Sporting CP, where he was brought on board by current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres propelled the Lions to a second consecutive Primeira Liga title and topped the scoring charts once more, bagging an impressive 54 goals in all competitions.
Sporting's comeback victory over Benfica also clinched the Taca de Portugal on Sunday, featured a pivotal 101st-minute penalty from Gyokeres to send the game into extra time. Partner Ines Aguiar found herself swarmed by fans at the game, all eager to glean insights into the future of her prolific other half.
Actress Aguiar, who hails from Lisbon, was bombarded with inquiries about whether Gyokeres would remain in Portugal for another year. According to A Bola, the social media personality assured the clamouring crowd she "promises" to do her utmost to convince the sought-after forward to stick with Sporting for a third campaign.
The influence of a significant other can often sway decisions in football transfers, and convincing someone accustomed to warmer weather to move to England is no small feat. United are also in the hunt for Gyokeres' signature as Amorim seeks a reunion with his former star, but Arsenal and Chelsea can offer the Champions League football the Red Devils cannot.
Viktor's honest uncle Chris also illuminated his nephew's potential transfer fate during his appearance at the Taca de Portugal final. The Gyokeres clan enjoyed a family gathering the night before the big match, with discussions inevitably turning to the star striker's career choices.
Ines Aguiar in a Sporting CP jersey
Girlfriend Ines Aguiar wants her partner to remain in Lisbon (Image: RVB)
Ines Aguiar
The actress has "promised" to do all she can to convince him to stay in her home city (Image: inesvarzeaaguiar/Instagram)
Uncle Chris was quite candid when asked about the private family discussion and their collective feelings towards Lisbon, where Viktor moved in 2023. A strong attachment to the city has developed, and Chris openly confirmed his preference for Viktor to stay. "Yes, very much," he told Sport.TV with regards to feeling a bond with Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
Arsenal have seemingly made the first move on Gyokeres' signature after Correio da Manha reported a team had travelled to Lisbon for discussions with the player's agent. Arteta is also supposedly keen on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is hot property after scoring 97 goals in 102 outings for Sporting CP (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea are also being linked with the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Hugo Ekitike and Ipswich Town's Liam Delap as alternative targets. But neither of those talents boast the same prolific figures Gyokeres has demonstrated in Portugal.
Sporting, on the other hand, aren't feeling pressured to sell their prized asset, who is believed to be on the market for £60million. Speaking at a press conference organised by Radio Renascenca's Bola Branca, vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha addressed the speculation surrounding the player.
"Gyokeres? He has three more years on his contract," said the official. "At the moment, there are no offers. He has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given."
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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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