The transfer saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres has taken another dramatic twist, as the Swedish striker’s representatives reportedly met with Arsenal’s hierarchy in London this week to accelerate a potential move to north London.
Gyokeres, 27, has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe following a blistering season with Sporting CP, having netted an extraordinary 97 goals in just 102 appearances since his arrival in the summer of 2023.
Arsenal, Manchester United, and Juventus have all shown serious interest in the powerful frontman, but it is Mikel Arteta’s Gunners who appear to be making the most decisive move. According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, Gyokeres’ agents, including his representative Hasan Cetinkaya, held discussions with Arsenal directors on Wednesday in a bid to map out a path for the striker’s switch to the Premier League.
However, any deal is far from straightforward. Tensions are reportedly boiling over between Gyokeres and Sporting, with the player understood to be ‘furious’ after the Portuguese giants moved the goalposts on his expected asking price.
While the Sweden international has a formal £84 million release clause in his contract, there had been a prior gentleman’s agreement that would have allowed him to leave this summer for around £51 million plus £8 million in achievable add-ons. But Sporting’s board are said to have performed a U-turn, now seeking closer to £67 million, a decision that has prompted Gyokeres to threaten a boycott.
According to Record, the striker has informed the club he will not play for them again unless they honour the previous terms. This has sparked a war of words with club president Frederico Varandas, who has stood firm and hit back publicly.
“One thing you should already know is me better,” Varandas declared. “Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me.”
Despite the tension, sources close to the negotiations believe that Arsenal now lead the race for Gyokeres’ signature, with the player himself favouring a move to the Emirates. Arteta is believed to be a keen admirer of the Swede’s physicality, work rate and prolific finishing ability – attributes the Gunners have been sorely lacking in the final third.
With Arsenal eager to strengthen their attack ahead of another title tilt, and Gyokeres pushing hard for an exit, all eyes are now on Sporting. The next few weeks could prove decisive.