In the high-stakes world of football transfers, few stories have gripped fans as tightly as the saga surrounding Sporting CP’s prolific striker, Viktor Gyokeres. The 27-year-old Swedish sensation, who has set the Primeira Liga ablaze with an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances during the 2024/25 season, finds himself at the heart of a contentious battle involving Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United. The latest twist in this unfolding drama—a leaked phone call between Gyokeres and Sporting’s sporting director, Frederico Varandas—has sent shockwaves through the football world, amplifying speculation about his desire to join Arsenal and escalating tensions with his current club.
Gyokeres, whose 97 goals in 102 matches since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 have made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, reportedly expressed his intent to leave for Arsenal in the leaked call. “I’ve given everything for the club,” he allegedly told Varandas, emphasizing his commitment to Sporting while making clear his ambition to chase a new challenge at the Emirates Stadium. The call, which surfaced through Portuguese media, has added fuel to an already fiery dispute. Gyokeres believes a gentleman’s agreement from last summer allowed him to depart for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, a figure significantly below his €100 million (£84 million) release clause. However, Sporting’s refusal to honor this alleged promise has left the striker frustrated, with reports suggesting he’s even threatened to go on strike to force a move.
Arsenal have emerged as Gyokeres’ preferred destination, with the player reportedly telling friends and family he dreams of playing under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners, eager to bolster their attack after back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League, see Gyokeres as the ideal solution to their striker woes. “He’s a phenomenon,” Arteta reportedly said, echoing the sentiments of many who’ve watched Gyokeres dominate in Portugal. Despite an initial £55 million bid being rejected, Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to be preparing a fresh offer, potentially around €80 million (£67 million), to meet Sporting’s revised demands. The leaked call, which reportedly included Gyokeres’ plea to honor the agreement, has emboldened Arsenal’s pursuit, with fans on social media buzzing, one tweeting, “Gyokeres to Arsenal is the move we need—imagine him with Saka and Ødegaard!”
Manchester United, meanwhile, have not been entirely ruled out, despite Gyokeres rejecting an approach from Old Trafford. The Red Devils, under former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, made contact through intermediaries, banking on their prior connection. However, United’s lack of Champions League football and Gyokeres’ clear preference for Arsenal have dimmed their prospects. “Viktor didn’t say no to United outright, but Arsenal is his priority,” a source close to the player noted. Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have also entered the fray, with the Italian club offering a lucrative £11 million-per-year deal, but Gyokeres’ heart appears set on North London.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has taken a firm stance, accusing Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, of “blackmail” and denying any formal agreement for a reduced fee. “Threats and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas declared, insisting that no offers have been received and that the club won’t be bullied into selling their star for less than his worth. The leaked call, allegedly revealing a promise from former Sporting director Hugo Viana (now at Manchester City) to allow a €70 million exit, has further complicated matters. Çetinkaya claims to have evidence of this agreement, though Varandas maintains it was never formalized in writing.
As Gyokeres enjoys a holiday in Saint Tropez, his future hangs in the balance. His cryptic Instagram post, “There is a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false,” suggests he’s biding his time, waiting for Arsenal to make their move. With the transfer window heating up, the saga is far from over, but one thing is clear: Gyokeres’ next step could reshape the Premier League landscape.
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