In the high-stakes world of football transfers, Viktor Gyokeres, the prolific Sporting Lisbon striker, has sent shockwaves through the sport by rejecting a staggering €35 million-per-year contract from Saudi giants Al-Hilal. The 27-year-old Swedish star, who has netted an astonishing 54 goals across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, is at the heart of a heated transfer saga that has captivated fans and clubs alike. According to recent reports, Gyokeres has confided in friends and family about his desire to join Arsenal, signaling a bold ambition to compete at the pinnacle of European football rather than chase lucrative deals elsewhere.
Gyokeres’ journey to becoming one of Europe’s most coveted strikers is a tale of grit and transformation. After a modest stint at Brighton, where he failed to make a Premier League appearance, and a loan spell at Coventry City yielding just three goals in 19 Championship games, his move to Sporting in 2023 for £20.5 million proved a turning point. Under coach Ruben Amorim, Gyokeres exploded onto the scene, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. His lethal finishing and 13 assists this season have drawn interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus, but the Swede’s heart appears set on the Emirates Stadium. “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right,” Gyokeres posted on Instagram, breaking his silence amid swirling rumors.
The transfer saga has taken a contentious turn, with tensions rising between Gyokeres and Sporting. Reports suggest a “gentleman’s agreement” was in place, allowing him to leave for €60-70 million—well below his €100 million release clause—after staying for the 2024/25 season. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has denied such a deal, insisting, “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that.” Varandas also accused Gyokeres’ entourage of “blackmail” over claims of a fixed-fee exit, adding fuel to the striker’s frustration. Gyokeres has reportedly rejected clear-the-air talks with the club and even threatened to go on strike, believing Sporting are pricing him out of a move by demanding closer to £70 million.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres has been persistent, with reports indicating they offered a five-year contract worth €7 million annually, plus a €12 million signing bonus. Despite an initial €55 million bid being rebuffed, the Gunners remain frontrunners, especially after Gyokeres reportedly turned down Juventus’ €13 million-per-year offer. “Arsenal have been Gyokeres’ main pursuers over the last 18 months,” a source noted, highlighting the club’s need for a proven No. 9 to bolster their attack. With Mikel Arteta’s side finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, Gyokeres’ arrival could be the key to clinching the title, offering more than just goals with his dynamic playstyle.
Manchester United, led by former Sporting boss Amorim, and Chelsea have also held talks, but Gyokeres’ preference for Arsenal, coupled with their Champions League qualification, gives them the edge. Juventus’ interest hinges on selling Dusan Vlahovic to fund the transfer, while United’s lack of European football next season dims their prospects. As Gyokeres vacations in Saint Tropez, the football world awaits his next move, with Arsenal poised to capitalize on his ambition to shine in the Premier League.
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