Viktor Gyokeres, the prolific striker, has commented on his future at Sporting Lisbon and discussed his substantial release clause in light of connections to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Gyokeres has attracted the attention of clubs like as Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea due to his remarkable performance for the Portuguese giants.
The 26-year-old, who transferred from Coventry City to Ruben Amorim’s squad in 2023 for £21 million (€24.9m / $27.7m), has achieved an impressive tally of 51 goals in 56 outings for Sporting, along with 18 assists.
His goal-scoring performance has, perhaps, validated his purported £84m (€100m / $111m) release clause, and Sporting is reportedly keen to retain him for no less than that amount.
Prior to their Champions League debut against Lille on Tuesday, the Sweden international, whose contract extends until 2028, was enquired about his release clause. He also asserted that he is content at his present club.
“That is an excellent inquiry…” I am not informed about that matter, as I do neither work for the club nor am I a businessman. It is substantial, yet I have no desire to go. I am content at Sporting; remaining is not an issue for me. My worth is my worth. “Let us observe if any developments occur,” he stated on Monday.
Sporting maintains its position on Gyokeres.
Gyokeres is shown his versatility, having scored eight goals in five Liga Portugal matches this season, following his tenure at Brighton.
In light of his outstanding performance, manager Amorim has cautioned prospective buyers that they must fulfil the Swede’s release clause to acquire the services of the prolific striker.
He said CNN last week: “Gyokeres is an exceptional player, and I believe he is valued at €100 million.” That is the established price, and we must proceed accordingly. Any party interested in acquiring him must remit €100 million.
TEAMtalk previously disclosed that Gyokeres ranked first on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s list of prospective strikers; but, an agreement was never imminent.
If Gyokeres does well on the European stage, organisations may be eager to acquire him in January or the following summer.
The current status of Arsenal
Although monitoring Gyokeres, Arsenal pursued a another strategy throughout the summer transfer window.
Following the conversion of goalkeeper David Raya’s loan from Brentford into a permanent transfer, the north London club acquired midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and winger Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.
Despite the Gunners being associated with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen prior to his loan to Galatasaray, and Ivan Toney, who ultimately transferred permanently to Al-Ahli from Brentford, manager Arteta expressed satisfaction with his attacking options.
Their roster include false nine Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and versatile forward Leandro Trossard.
Last month, Arteta stated: “We possess exceptional strikers.” Gabi (Gabriel) Jesus is present, Kai (Havertz) has accumulated significant playing time in that position, Leo (Leandro Trossard) has also participated, and we are certain that we possess all the requisite elements.
“We have complete confidence in our players.” We aim to improve and will endeavour to do so with the guys currently on our roster.
Arsenal is satisfied with their current choices, and Gyokeres, who contributed to Sporting’s Primeira Liga victory last season, is not eager to depart from the Lisbon club; so, it appears the former Coventry player will remain for the foreseeable future.
Former Tottenham player discloses rationale for significant Arsenal rejection despite ongoing transfer discussions.
Gyokeres vs the attackers of Arsenal
Gyokeres, who did not succeed at Brighton prior to establishing himself at Coventry in the 2021/22 season, has netted 33 goals in all competitions in 2024.
This positions him at the pinnacle, surpassing notable players such as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s prolific Harry Kane, and the formidable Kylian Mbappe.
In comparison to Arsenal’s Havertz and Jesus, Gyokeres surpasses both in terms of goal-scoring proficiency.
Although the Portuguese top division does not match the Premier League in quality, the former Swansea City loan player scored 29 league goals last season, in contrast to Havertz’s 13 and Jesus’s only four.
Gyokeres exhibited a superior shots on target % (48.6), shown greater efficiency relative to his Expected Goals, and generated more shot-creating actions; yet, Jesus excelled in successful take-ons (46.7 percent).
Havertz recorded the highest aerial duel percentage (50.2) and surpassed Gyokeres in goal-creating actions (22 compared to 21). Notwithstanding, the Swede’s attributes are evident. It remains to be determined whether Arsenal is willing to expend that kind of money on him.
