Viktor Gyokeres’ ex-team-mate doesn’t hold back after Arsenal transfer saga – ‘Unnecessary’

Viktor Gyokeres finally secured a £63.7million move to Arsenal from Sporting CP, but his move to London was far from plain sailing, with one former team-mate glad to see the back of the saga

Pedro Goncalves admits he’s glad to see the back of the “unnecessary” transfer saga between Arsenal and Sporting CP over Viktor Gyokeres. Having played his part in helping the Lions secure a Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal double last season with 54 goals across all competitions, Gyokeres had interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

While Manchester United and Arsenal were initially thought to be in a two-horse race for the Swedish striker, Gyokeres made it clear the Emirates Stadium was his destination of choice, pushing hard for a transfer to the north Londoners.

When talks between the two clubs began to stall due to Arsenal looking to secure the 27-year-old for less than his £67.7million valuation, Gyokeres opted to ditch pre-season training and go on strike in an attempt to move things along. He felt Sporting had U-turned on their gentleman’s agreement that they would not stand in his way to join an elite club this summer for a pre-agreed price.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres explains why he rejected Man Utd transfer and sends Ruben Amorim warningREAD MORE: Viktor Gyokeres responds to Thierry Henry claim as he reveals why he joined Arsenal

Gyokeres’ actions appeared to have little impact on club president Frederico Varandas, who insisted that strike action would not change Sporting CP’s stance.

He told Lusa at the time: “We’re calm. 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.

“If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave. No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”

Thankfully for Arsenal, they were ultimately able to agree a deal with the Portuguese giants in the end, forking out £63.7m to secure Gyokeres on a five-year contract. And while Goncalves is sad to see his team-mate part ways with Sporting, he is overjoyed that the dramatic transfer saga full of twists and turns has finally come to an end.

In an interview with O Jogo, the 27-year-old said: “I wasn’t hurt. I wished him the best of luck. I said, ‘Finally’. This whole thing wasn’t necessary, in my opinion… but that’s football.

“I wished him the best of luck, and he said thank you. And that’s it. He had to leave, and others came.”

Meanwhile, Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges also gave his own take on Gyokeres’ recent departure, echoing many of the sentiments that Goncalves shared. He said: “I haven’t spoken yet, but I may speak to thank everyone for everything.

“Hurt? No. Honestly, I wasn’t hurt. That’s football. It’s part of football. There are arrivals and departures. We have to know how to deal with it. We have to readjust all the time. He was a very important player, not only this season.

“I wish him the best of luck in the world, he marked an era in our football. He will be missed in his own way. We will have other players. We will continue to be competitive. Players come and go, but the club remains. Others will come in and become great and better and better.”

Sporting have wasted little time in spending the funds that they received in their multi-million pound sale of Gyokeres, signing UD Almeria’s Luis Suarez as they look to ensure they have a proven No. 9 primed and ready for the new season.

The Colombian impressed in the Segunda Division last term, scoring 27 goals and creating eight assists for his side, and many fans will be eager to see how he makes the transition to Liga Portugal.

Speaking about Sporting’s new acquisition, Borges added: “I believe he will also make his mark on Sporting in some way and that he will help us to remain strong and victorious. He is different from Viktor, but I believe he will be important.”

Gyokeres comes as the latest in a wealth of signings made by Arsenal this summer, joining the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke as a new arrival. However, it appears as though Mikel Arteta isn’t done quite yet in strengthening his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Gunners are still hunting Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. While the attacking midfielder, who provided eight goals and assists a-piece in the Premier League last season, has an £68m release clause in his contract, it is thought Arsenal are trying to broker a deal at around the £60m mark.

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