SL Benfica v Sporting CP - Portuguese Cup 2024/2025 - Final
Gyokeres is expected to leave Sporting this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has named Real Madrid as the ‘perfect match’ for Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The Sporting Lisbon star is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after another incredible haul in Portugal this season, ending the campaign with 51 goals in 53 appearances.
The expectation is the 26-year-old will leave the Portuguese capital this summer, thought to be available for a fee of around £58million.
Arsenal have been the front runners to sign the Sweden international with club officials holding talks with his representatives this week. The Gunners however are also exploring a move for Benjamin Sesko, thought to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred target to lead his attack next season.
Chelsea have also made an approach and while the Blues are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, a more experienced option up top could also be considered.
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Manchester United meanwhile have long-standing interest with Ruben Amorim keen to be reunited with his former Sporting star. Their failure to qualify for the Champions League next season however has damaged their chances of competing for Europe’s top talent this summer.
While one of the continent’s most prolific marksmen, Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest in other options has complicated Gyokeres’ future.
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Moreirense FC - Liga Portugal Betclic
Gyokeres expected to leave Portugal this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
Barcelona have also been credited with interest but former Real star Sneijder has claimed a move to the Santiago Bernabeu could be the perfect solution for both parties.
‘You have to pick a team which works for your playing style,’ Sneijder told Metro courtesy of BetMGM. ‘At the moment, maybe Real [should consider signing him]. If it allows Kylian Mbappe to move back to the left then maybe it’s a perfect match.’
While Mbappe has operated through the middle for Real in his first season in Spain, the France international is at his devastating best down the left – the role currently occupied by Vinicius Jr. While Real boast one of the most fearsome attacks in Europe, doubts have also emerged over the future of Rodrgyo, with the Brazil international considering his future with Chelsea and Arsenal among those interested in his services.
Which Premier League club should Viktor Gyokeres join?
Arsenal
It’s obvious why a move to the Emirates Stadium might appeal to Gyokeres. Arsenal look set for a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League and they have come so close to winning the title without an out-and-out striker.
Gyokeres would be an immediate upgrade on Mikel Arteta’s current options, which include ex-Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, the injured Gabriel Jesus and makeshift striker (at least since Arsenal’s injury crisis) Mikel Merino.
More than just a goalscorer – as 12 assists so far this season shows – Gyokeres would also thrive in an Arsenal team that requires more from their forwards than just a poacher.
Players speak glowingly of Arteta and Arsenal would be a stable environment for Gyokeres to continue his development and perhaps be the difference for a team who have aspirations of winning trophies on the regular over the next few years.
Manchester United
Old Trafford was immediately tipped as Gyokeres’ future destination when Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag.
Gyokeres’ incredible first season came under Amorim and the ex-Sporting boss looks set to welcome a new striker to the club this summer after being left underwhelmed by expensive but struggling signings Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
The chance to reunite with Amorim will be tempting for Gyokeres, who would also be joining one of the biggest clubs in the world despite their recent struggles.
The problem, of course, is Manchester United – deep in the bottom-half of the Premier League – will be without Champions League football next season.
Louis Sealey | Deputy Sports Editor, Metro
While his next destination may not be decided yet, Gyokeres is expected to leave Sporting this summer to take on a new challenge. He will be expected to maintain his prolific record in front of goal wherever he lands, but Sneijder has warned the Swede will inevitably face a difficult period where he might initially struggle to win over his new fans.
‘The position of a striker, it is really important for the team. In the first month when you don’t score, they start arguing, the press will be against you, the fans will be against you because they know you can score a lot of goals and that is what they expect from you.
‘So it is a difficult one, deciding what is best for him. He is in position to make a transfer he has to make the right choice.’
Wesley Sneijder was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win over £27m today with MGM Millions. BeGambleAware 18+
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