Viktor Gyokeres is set to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal both keen
Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United-linked striker Viktor Gyokeres has ruled out a move to a Nordic country this summer, stating he's acclimatised to the Lisbon weather.
The former Coventry City man is set to depart Sporting Lisbon in a high-profile transfer, with speculation rife about his next club. The 27-year-old had an impressive 2024/25 season, netting 53 goals and providing 13 assists in 51 matches, helping Sporting secure a league and cup double.
His goal-scoring prowess has attracted significant attention, with Arsenal and Manchester United believed to be watching on intently. Arsenal are claimed to be considering a £60m bid for the Swedish international, who would demand wages exceeding £200,000 per week, while they also contemplate the signing of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
United have also shown interest in Gyokeres, who previously played under manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting. Initially, it seemed unlikely that Gyokeres would make the move to Old Trafford due to their absence from Champions League football next season.
However, this factor seems less significant now, potentially paving the way for a reunion with Amorim at United. One thing is certain though - Gyokeres has no desire to return to Sweden.
"After living in a warm country, it would be difficult," he told Swedish Vogue, where he expressed his fondness for Portuguese culture.
"In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialise on the weekends. Here there is more life during the week.
"They have dinners with friends, a glass of wine on Monday. I like that."
Gyokeres withdrew from the Sweden squad for this week's friendlies against Hungary and Algeria, sparking rumours that he is avoiding potential injuries ahead of a transfer. However, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has dismissed these claims.
Viktor Gyokeres pictured ahead of Sweden's Nations League clash with Slovakia
Viktor Gyokeres pictured ahead of Sweden's Nations League clash with Slovakia
"No. He felt a minor injury and our medical team was already aware of it and we decided, together, to release him," said Tomasson.
"I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn't trained much in the past few weeks and was experiencing some discomfort due to a minor injury.
"I was pleased to see him and have him with us at this training camp. It speaks volumes about Viktor and his eagerness to participate.
"We're considering it [a replacement] and need to discuss it further. Ideally, all players would be available."
Gyokeres himself has remained tight-lipped about his future plans. When asked about his future after Sporting's final match of the season, he responded: "Let's see.
"It's difficult for me to say because, well, it's football and you never know what might happen over the summer. So, for me to say anything more than that is impossible."
When questioned specifically about Arsenal, he added: "I don't know, I just focus on this. I've tried to concentrate on the recent matches because they're so important and I don't want to think about anything else.
"So yeah, if anything is true, we'll see in the summer."
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