Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after forwards on the planet, a fact Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson knows all too well.
However, heightened interest in the star striker has led Tomasson to deviate from his usual practice of advising his players on their transfer dealings. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta copped criticism for failing to add a new forward to his ranks last season but is on the hunt to correct that this summer.
Reports from Correio da Manha suggest Arsenal representatives flew to Portugal for discussions with the player's agent this week, while his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is understood to be seeking a reunion at Manchester United.
Tomasson usually likes to offer advice to his players about their potential moves, considering factors like potential minutes and style of play at their potential destinations. But the media frenzy surrounding Gyokeres has persuaded him to stay out of the public discussion this time around.
The ex-Blackburn boss, who took over the reins of the Sweden national team in 2024, has more insight into the situation than most. However, when asked if he had a preference for where Gyokeres should move, the 48-year-old was reluctant to answer.
"No, of course not," he told Swedish daily Aftonbladet (via the Mirror) from the national team's training ground. "Because then it would be blown up like this (stretches arms)."
As national team coaches often do, Tomasson emphasised the need to pick players who feature regularly for their clubs and said he frequently advises his players on "what would be a good and bad club." However, Gyokeres seems to be an exception to this rule, unless he goes directly to his international coach for guidance.
"There are definitely players changing clubs! We know that each year," added Tomasson. "If you look at each player, you need to make the right choice.
"You actually don't know if it's the right choice before you're at the club. You have family as well you have to have in mind. It's not easy, but at the end of the day, that's [football]."
Jon Dahl Tomasson, Head Coach of Sweden, looks on prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1 match between Sweden and Estonia
Jon Dahl Tomasson has worked closely with Gyokeres over the past 18 months or so (Image: Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Arsenal found themselves short up top at several points last term after Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz suffered serious injuries. That left Arteta fielding Mikel Merino as a makeshift false nine, and while it came off to good effect at times, it's not the kind of depth one would expect from a squad challenging for the top prizes on offer.
One could argue an elite striker presence would have made all the difference to Arsenal's title prospects. Despite making it to the Champions League semi-finals, they scored 27 goals fewer than league champions Liverpool and netted just once more than fifth-place Newcastle.
Tomasson's note on player families and loved ones making a difference in the transfer equation is a worrying one for the Gunners. Some members of Gyokeres' inner circle are clear about their preference for his future - and it doesn't lie in north London.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrates
Gyokeres' loved ones would prefer he remains at Sporting this summer (Image: Maciej Rogowski//Getty Images)
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Gyokeres' uncle Chris was open about his desires during a family dinner while discussing the forward's future. When recently asked whether the family felt a connection to Lisbon, he told Sport.TV: "Yes, very much. Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
It was during the recent Taca de Portugal final celebrations that Gyokeres' girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, weighed in on the situation. And the actress admitted she had "promised" to try her best in persuading him to stay at Sporting for a third campaign.
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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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