Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres has cast doubt over a potential summer move to the Premier League, despite strong interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. The 27-year-old, who has enjoyed a phenomenal season in Portugal, revealed he feels “at home” in Lisbon and is yet to make a decision about his future.
Gyökeres has been one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards after scoring an extraordinary 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, firing Sporting to a domestic double in the 2024/25 campaign. His form has attracted attention from several top clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United leading the race to bring him back to England — where he previously played for Brighton and Coventry City.
Sporting are reportedly open to selling the Swedish international for around £60 million, significantly below his £84 million release clause. However, Gyökeres has given the clearest indication yet that he could remain in the Portuguese capital.
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Speaking to Vogue Scandinavia via Portuguese outletA Bola, Gyökeres praised life in Lisbon, saying: “In Swedish culture, people work hard during the week and if they want to do something, they do it on the weekend. Here, people also make the most of the weekdays. They come over with friends on Monday or any other day, have dinner and a glass of wine. In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference. Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe… I feel at home.”
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
His comments were echoed by his family. Following Sporting’s victory over Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final, Gyökeres’ uncle Chris expressed delight with their experience in Portugal, telling reporters: “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!”
When asked whether the family felt a connection to the city, he responded: “Yes, very much… yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.” Gyökeres later confirmed: “They really like Portugal; I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere.”
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Despite growing speculation over a summer exit, Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha played down transfer rumours, confirming that no official offers have been received.
“At the moment there are no offers. He has three more years on his contract,” Zenha told reporters. “I think the answer has been given. Our transfer plans won’t be any different from last year — we want to keep the best players and retain talent.”
Gyökeres has recently withdrawn from international duty with Sweden due to injury, further delaying any decision on his next move. For now, his future remains uncertain but staying in Lisbon appears to be a serious possibility.
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