Viktor Gyokeres’ highly-anticipated transfer to Arsenal has taken a dramatic twist after Sporting Lisbon fans unleashed a wave of brutal messages aimed at the Swedish striker. As negotiations between the Premier League giants and Sporting continue to develop, the tension surrounding the saga reached a boiling point during a pre-season friendly against Celtic.
The 27-year-old, who has been a sensational force for Sporting since his 2023 move from Coventry, is reportedly desperate to make the leap to English football’s top flight. So desperate, in fact, that he’s been accused of going on strike to force the transfer, refusing to report for pre-season training and now facing disciplinary action from his club.
In a powerful response, Sporting fans unveiled scathing banners targeting Gyokeres:
“I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay,” and
“No one is above the club’s interests, no matter who they are.”
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The messages make it crystal clear: supporters feel betrayed by the player who netted an astonishing 97 goals in just 102 appearances, helping the club secure two Primeira Liga titles and a Taca de Portugal. But now, as his Arsenal dream intensifies, the striker’s once-hallowed reputation in Lisbon seems to be eroding fast.
Arsenal, according to Mirror Football, have reportedly tabled an improved offer to ease Sporting’s stance, notably slashing the commission initially demanded by Gyokeres’ agent. Yet, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has taken a firm position:
“Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine, and an apology to the group. If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’ll be very comfortable with that for the next three years,” Varandas told Agência Lusa.
“No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”
In a candid interview with L’Équipe, Gyokeres spoke openly about his ambition to return to England, not just to play in the Premier League, but to prove something to himself.
“It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. Of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge,” said Gyokeres.
Still, the forward insists he’s not fixated on any particular outcome:
“I’m not thinking about it, we’ll see what happens. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.”
But perhaps the most electric quote of all came when Gyokeres claimed his seat among football’s elite:
“I’m definitely one of the best strikers in the world. It’s difficult to rank me, but yes, I’m at the same table as them now. You haven’t seen the best of Gyokeres yet.”
As the Arsenal deal edges closer, the football world waits with bated breath: will Gyokeres get his Premier League revenge, or will Sporting make a final stand?
