Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly decided on his preferred Premier League destination between Arsenal and Manchester United as his agent enters discussions
The agent of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly taken a giant leap towards landing his client a Premier League transfer. And it isn’t good news for Manchester United fans after the player’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, is understood to have met with Arsenal’s owners.
Things have seemingly taken a sour turn in Lisbon very quickly after it emerged Gyokeres was not happy with Sporting, where he has become an icon in two seasons. It’s alleged the Sweden striker was under the impression a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ would allow him to leave for around £59million this summer.
But after scoring 97 times in 102 appearances for the Lions, it seems Sporting are intent on receiving the full value of his £85m release clause if he’s to leave. And it’s led to claims Gyokeres will go on strike if needed in order to force through a dream move this summer.
CNN Portugal reported Cetinkaya met with Arsenal’s owners on Wednesday in an effort to expedite a deal. The Gunners reportedly sent a delegation to Lisbon last month to discuss a potential move for Sporting’s prolific frontman.
The update suggests talks between the two parties are “very advanced.” And although Arsenal’s representatives have met with Sporting in the past, it’s understood matters are now looking more formal ahead of a potential deal being struck.
It’s also suggested that a move to the Emirates Stadium has been Gyokeres’ preference “from the very beginning.” And it could mean United boss Ruben Amorim, the man who brought him to Portugal from Coventry City, is left out in the cold.
Gyokeres’ inner circle have already made it clear they want him to remain in Lisbon. The player’s uncle, Chris, revealed at the Taca de Portugal final, where Gyokeres forced extra time before lifting the title, that the family encouraged their star to stick in his current surroundings.
When asked if the family felt a connection to Lisbon, he told Sport.TV: “Yes, very much. Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay.”
Not only that, but Gyokeres’ girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, has also campaigned for him to stick around. According to A Bola, she “promised” to do her utmost to convince him to commit to a third season with Sporting despite the swell of transfer interest.
Gyokeres recently ruled out a return to his home nation and told Swedish Vogue: “After living in a warm country, it would be difficult. In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialize on the weekends. Here there is more life during the week. They have dinners with friends, a glass of wine on Monday. I like that.”
Mikel Arteta’s side may have left United in their wake after seemingly moving ahead in discussions. Arsenal appear to be intent on making up for last year’s shortcomings by signing an elite striker this summer.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left the club short last season despite calls to add to their forward department. And it left new signing Mikel Merino with the responsibility of leading the line for much of this season.
The Spaniard did well in his makeshift role and scored 10 goals between January and May. However, the Gunners are under no illusion that a more natural talent is required up top, and the benefit of offering Champions League football is a major advantage over United.
The same can be said for United after a record-low finish of 15th in the Premier League. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to set the world alight as hoped at Old Trafford, with Amorim now seeking to make his own mark on the squad.
Gyokeres, 27, isn’t the only forward target believed to be on Arsenal’s radar. The club has been closely linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the club’s hierarchy seemingly keen on the Slovenia international.
However, recent developments would suggest Gyokeres remains the preferred pick if the Gunners get their way. And it may mean United are left devastated as a direct rival hoovers up one of the most coveted talents on the market.
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