Sporting Break Silence on Gyokeres Exit After Arsenal & Man Utd Bids Rejected

Arsenal are on the brink of landing Viktor Gyokeres in a blockbuster transfer twist after weeks of fierce Premier League competition with Manchester United, while Sporting CP secretly move for his replacement. 

The transfer saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres has taken a dramatic turn, with Arsenal now leading the race to sign the prolific striker after a major breakthrough in negotiations.  

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have been monitoring the 27-year-old Swedish international, who has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP. 

Reports from L’Equipe revealed that Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Gyokeres, offering a five-year deal. This comes after Mikel Arteta’s side cooled interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has now signed a new contract with the German side. 

Sky Sports further confirmed that Arsenal and Sporting are in advanced talks, with insiders at the North London club believing that the “closing line” is in sight. Gyokeres now appears to be the Gunners’ top target, despite earlier preferences from Arteta’s staff for the younger Sesko. 

In an unexpected twist, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly addressed the transfer, suggesting that a deal could be imminent, and for less than the original €100m (£85m) release clause. 

“Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres,” Varandas stated. “However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. We have made a commitment that we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable.” 

He added: 

“There is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m (euros). Absolutely not.” 

The president’s comments not only hint at a willingness to lower the asking price but also show a clear openness to negotiations, especially with Premier League clubs showing strong interest. 

Manchester United also admire Gyokeres for his goal-scoring prowess and connection with manager Ruben Amorim, are not backing down yet. Amorim was the one who brought Gyokeres to Sporting from Coventry City, and the Red Devils believe he can recreate the striker’s best form at Old Trafford. 

However, with Arsenal further along in talks and already agreeing to terms with the player, United may need to act fast or risk missing out on another key target. 

Fueling further speculation about Gyokeres’ imminent departure is Sporting’s reported bid for Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic. The Lisbon club are said to have offered £17 million, although the Belgian side is holding out for £25.6 million. 

Ivanovic, who bagged 20 goals last season, has drawn interest from several clubs including Besiktas, Eintracht Frankfurt, and teams from Italy. The move clearly signals Sporting’s preparation for life after Gyokeres. 

Gyokeres himself has reportedly grown frustrated with Sporting’s high valuation, which has so far blocked a move to the Premier League. But Varandas’ new statements, along with Sporting’s search for a replacement, offer hope that the price could now be within reach. 

Comparisons to recent transfers have added more pressure. Varandas noted: 

“Zubimendi, six months younger than Viktor, could go for £55m, and Cunha moved to United for £62.5m. Viktor is in that bracket.” 

With Arsenal closing in, Manchester United still lurking, and Sporting softening their stance, Gyokeres’ Premier League dream is looking more likely than ever. If Sporting do land Ivanovic, all signs point to an imminent exit for the Swedish hitman.