Following months of conjecture, the Sporting forward may have finally made his decision.
According to a shocking report, in-demand Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres has finally decided on his next club and has turned down a Premier League opportunity.
Gyokeres, 27, has been linked with a transfer away from Sporting following an amazing 2024/25 season in which he scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 games for the Portuguese champions.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Saudi Arabian clubs have all expressed an interest in his electric form.
Earlier this week, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported United had “made contact” about a potential transfer for the Sweden international.
However, according to Portuguese daily Record, Arsenal made the first bid for the marksman during a meeting in Spain.
The contract was then described as “seriously infected” after Gyokeres’ representative claimed to have written evidence that Sporting committed to let him leave for €60 million plus €10 million, according to Aftonbladet.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas then addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the complex situation.
He stated: “The agency contacted us to add some stipulations. Hugo Viana, like he usually did and very successfully, handled the relationship with the agents. This relationship space is created with the sports director.”
Before he added: “Hugo Viana bargained with the agents over multiple sessions until the agent sought the president’s presence.
“Gyokeres did not attend this meeting, which included the president, the agent, and Viana. He wanted to ensure some things. And what was the agreement? That Sporting would not seek a release clause right now. For one reason: he was about to turn 27, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million euros.
“At the same meeting, the agent wanted to tie the departure to a value. I said, ‘It’s not worth setting a value since I don’t know what will happen in a year. I’m not sure if it will be forty, sixty, or eighty. I can assure that I will not seek 100 million euros. From that point forward, I never communicated with the agent or the player about departures or values.
“I now see the agent in the press providing information. I want to make one thing clear: sport has common sense and maintains its promises. Gyokeres tallied 63 goals and ten assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to ever play on Portuguese soil. Sporting will not demand the provision.
“Now, Sporting will not take blackmail or insults. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus ten. As of today, Sporting have not received any proposals for Gyokeres.
Another rumor has arisen from Portuguese publication Record, claiming that the player has decided not to join United and instead prefers to join Arsenal, with the Gunners apparently planning a second offer.
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