Viktor Gyokeres has been in sensational form for Sporting Lisbon once again this season, and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a big-money move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the summer transfer window. The Swedish forward has been in prolific form once again this season, scoring 39 league goals to help fire Sporting to the league title.
Despite having three years left on his contract in Lisbon, rumours of a switch to the Premier League continue to grow louder. It’s understood that Arsenal are leading the chase for the 26-year-old Swede’s signature.
The north London club are reported to have dangled a tempting £7 million-a-year salary post-tax in front of Gyokeres and are gearing up to make a formal offer to Sporting with personal terms reportedly already settled. It has been suggested that the fee could be around the £60million mark, which would be below his £84m (€100m) release clause. Manchester United are also on the hunt for fresh attacking talent, but haven’t yet made their move for Gyokeres. Here we take a look at the situation as it stands.
‘On his way’
Portuguese outlet O Jogo has claimed that a move away for Gyokeres is imminent. Having scored in the club’s 2-0 win over Vitoria to clinch back-to-back league titles, Gyokeres was at the heart of celebrations at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. During his two-year spell in Portugal, the striker has scored 96 goals in 101 games for the club.
While Sporting still have the Taca de Portugal final to focus on, O Jogo’s front page on Monday read: “Swede on his way to Arsenal.” It is claimed that a £58.9m deal has been struck between the two clubs, and all that is left is the agreement of personal terms.
‘He’s ours’
Sporting boss Rui Borges has been vocal in his admiration for Gyokeres throughout the campaign, and after securing the league title against Vitoria he refused to be drawn on the subject of losing his star striker
In the aftermath of their triumph, Borges stated: “I’m not going to sit here and talk about whether he’s leaving or not, when he’s our player. But I believe he’s the best striker in Europe and maybe in the world.
“I’m happy for him and hope that he can win the Golden boot. He deserves it, for everything he’s done for our team and all the hard work he’s put in daily. There has been some moments where he struggled physically and he still gave his all to try and help the team. I’m happy on that front but what the future holds for him, we’ll soon see.”
Gyokeres: “It’s football”
Meanwhile, Gyokers was coy when asked about the possibility of leaving, telling Sport TV: “It’s football, I’m still here. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Nobody can predict the future.”
Goncalves signals Gyokeres’ uncertain future
In the wake of their title jubilations, Pedro Goncalves hinted at changes afoot, but issued a defiant message to supporters: “I just want to tell you all something… They said we were never going to be champions without fans (during Covid), they said we were never going to be two-time champions without [Ruben] Amorim, they said we were never going to win the league without [Hugo] Viana,” he said, as reported by Football.London.
“They say we won’t be three-time champions without Viktor [Gyokeres]. And now, what I want to say is that, we’ll see.”
Conrad Harder: “The best striker in the world”
Sporting forward Conrad Harder lavished praise on colleague Gyokeres in remarks to the press, saying: “It’s fantastic. I try to learn from him. He had a great season. He’s the best striker in the world.”
Harder’s comments reflect the esteem Gyokeres commands, leaving fans to speculate on his next move.
‘Outstanding’
Miguel Simoes from Noticias ao Minuto wrote: “Viktor Gyokeres was the standout player, not just for Sporting, but across the entire league. His tally of 39 goals dwarfed that of rivals Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) and Samu Aghehowa (FC Porto), who both netted 19.”
‘Beyond the numbers’
Nuno Felix of Record penned: “His goal-scoring prowess, coupled with his aggressive ball control and imposing physicality, made him a threat both inside and outside the box. Moreover, his tactical adaptability and defensive commitment rendered him an irreplaceable asset in Rui Borges’ squad, and he’s now a far more rounded player than when he first joined under Ruben Amorim.
“Gyokeres’ influence extends beyond mere statistics. His work ethic, leadership and charisma have endeared him to fans and teammates alike, cementing his status as a club icon during his tenure.
“His signature celebration will be etched in memory for years to come. With a release clause of €100million, it’s anticipated that the Swede will make a move to Arsenal for around €70m, marking one of the largest sales in Sporting’s history. As supporters brace themselves for his departure, they’ll continue to celebrate Gyokeres’ invaluable contribution to Sporting and Liga Portugal. The Liga Betlic could certainly do with more players of his calibre and impact.”
Gyokeres has been in scintillating form this season, scoring a remarkable 39 goals in just 33 league matches. His overall tally for the season is an impressive 53 goals in 51 games across all competitions, a figure that could still increase as Sporting are set to face Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final on May 25.
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