A huge update on Viktor Gyokeres’ future has been issued by a well-respected journalist who referenced 'private messages' when revealing the player's stance.
Gyokeres, 27, has been linked with a move to several clubs all summer long, with Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal and Saudi Arabian sides all reportedly keen on the Sweden international.
The former Brighton and Coventry man netted 54 times in 52 matches for Sporting during the 2024/25 campaign and will likely move on this summer.
There had been some suggestions that Sporting’s price tag for the player was around €60m + €10m, but this was rubbished by the club’s Sporting Director, Frederico Varandas.
Advert
Last week, Varandas said: “I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + €10m. He won't leave because I never allowed it, and the game his agent is playing will only make the situation worse.”
And despite Varandas’ strong stance, the forward is still likely to move on this summer, but which club will he join?
Well, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the player has told his family and friends his preference.
Crook said: "I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal.
"We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well, obviously, there is that pre-existing relationship with Ruben Amorim.
"But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season.
"But Sporting are going to play hardball, there's been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman's agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they're looking for nearer £80m.
"Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they've opened talks with Leipzig as well, but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely."
What does this mean for Sesko?
Well, there’s no doubt that Sesko would be a more long-term investment given the fact that the Slovenian is almost five years Gyokeres’ junior at 22.
On Wednesday, reports from several German outlets, including SPORTbild, suggested that a “full agreement between the English club and player was still pending” but this has not been confirmed by the player or the clubs involved at this time.
Who could replace Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP?
Well, he may already be playing for the club.
On Tuesday, 20-year-old forward Conrad Harder scored a brace in Denmark's 2-2 draw against Finland at the Under-21 Euro.
The Dane joined Sporting from Nordsjælland in 2024, and registered 13 goals and ten assists in 54 appearances for the Portuguese champions last season. Of course, he may have learned a few things from Gyokeres but filling his boots will be a tough ask.
Topics: Viktor Gyokeres, Transfer News, Football, Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus, Sporting CP, Sporting Lisbon
Luke Davies