Viktor Gyokeres’ future has taken another surprising twist.
Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after footballers in the world, and his transfer story with Arsenal has taken another turn.
Gyokeres is ready to leave Sporting after another great season at the club, where he scored 54 goals in all competitions and won the Portuguese league title for the second consecutive season.
The 27-year-old has been widely linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea reportedly interested in signing the former Coventry City striker.
A reunion with former boss Ruben Amorim appeared to be the ideal scenario, however following their Europa League final defeat and a disappointing Premier League season, Gyokeres reportedly turned down the opportunity to transfer to Old Trafford in favour of a move to Mikel Arteta’s team.
However, the transfer story took another twist on Sunday, leaving Gyokeres’ next destination uncertain.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Arsenal were the first team to submit a formal proposal for the attacker last week, but the trade has now been ‘iced’.
They currently believe the transaction is ‘locked,’ with Arsenal cooling their interest because Sporting will not accept a price less than €80 million (£68 million).
The Gunners’ original bid was €55 million plus €10 million in add-ons, and they refuse to bid any further, casting doubt on the transaction.
According to reports, Arsenal has refocused its interest on signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but they may also seek Aston Villa attacker Ollie Watkins, who is said to be more affordable than Gyokeres.
Sporting attacker Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting attacker Viktor Gyokeres
Who will sign Viktor Gyokeres?
Arsenal’s apparent U-turn on signing the Sweden international makes the forward’s next destination difficult to predict.
According to reports, the striker has turned down the opportunity to reunite with Amorim, but United will undoubtedly stay interested in him as long as he is available. However, a lack of Champions League football severely limits their chances, with other major clubs still vying for his signing.
Chelsea is another Premier League team that has been linked with a move, although buying Liam Delap from Ispwich Town suggests the former Manchester City striker will be their starting striker next season.
That leaves Liverpool as another candidate, with a striker still thought to be on Arne Slot’s shopping list following his Premier League championship. Slot is now focused on completing deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, but the Merseyside club is anticipated to look for a striker later in the window after the futures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz are determined. However, Gyokeres’ age could be a decisive factor, with Liverpool unwilling to provide long-term contracts to players above the age of 30, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah the exceptions.
Juventus are major contenders, and Saudi Pro League clubs are also in the running.
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