Viktor Gyokeres ‘makes final phone call threat’ in bid to force through transfer

Viktor Gyokeres has removed all doubts over where he wants to play football next season by reportedly calling up Sporting CP’s president and demanding a move to Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly made a last-ditch phone call to Sporting CP’s president to force through his Arsenal transfer. With the Swede being heavily linked with the Gunners in recent months, he has now told the Portuguese champions that he has no intention of returning to the club ahead of the new season.

Sporting are back in training in a week from now following their summer break. Yet, their talisman and striker is desperate to become an Arsenal player, having now made it clear that the Emirates Stadium is where he wants to play his football next season.

Portuguese outlet Record reported this Tuesday that the 27-year-old, whose agent has been in contact with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, recently made a phone call directly to Sporting president Federico Varandas.

During the call, Gyokeres reportedly stated that he will not play another game for the club, who he helped win the double this season. He made it very clear that he wants the move to north London this summer at all costs.

Gyokeres is claimed to have said he would “never forgive” the Sporting hierarchy if his dream move falls through, as he is aware that an opportunity to join a club like Arsenal may not come around again given his age.

The clinical forward is also said to have explained to Varandas that he had given his all for Sporting and that, if they accept a £60m (€70m consisting of €60m plus €10m in bonuses) offer, it would be several times more than what they paid Coventry City two years ago.

But Varandas has already made it clear that the club will not be ‘blackmailed’ into selling their star on the cheap. Despite claims by Gyokeres’ agent, Hassan Cetinkaya, that he had a gentleman’s agreement in place from last summer for Sporting to let the player leave for a fee lower than his £84m release clause, the club are not obligated to do so.

And no team has come in with an offer of £60m for Gyokeres regardless. Portuguese reports claim Arsenal’s offer, which wasn’t an official bid, stood at £51m (€50m plus €10m).

That may be due to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s preference to land another target, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, whose arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer would rule out Gyokeres’ dream transfer.

BBC Sport reported earlier this month that a move for Sesko has “near universal backing” at Arsenal. Yet, the Slovenian’s arrival would be a more expensive package overall than Gyokeres’ transfer.

The Sun reported last week that the Gunners are currently at an impasse with Sesko’s camp and are growing frustrated due to his lofty wage demands. It’s claimed that despite agreeing to match Leipzig’s £70m asking price, Arsenal may back out of a deal for the 22-year-old.

Gyokeres is understood to be aware that he is not Arteta’s first choice but is doing everything in his power to secure his move to Arsenal, having reportedly threatened to go on strike. In the event that Sesko’s transfer crumbles, the Swede expects to become the striker Arsenal have long required.

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