Arsenal’s Pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres: Latest Updates and Speculations

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal is intensifying efforts to strengthen their squad after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title.

One name that has been prominently linked with the Gunners is Viktor Gyokeres, the prolific Sporting CP striker who scored 29 goals in 33 games last season.

Arsenal Close to Sealing Gyokeres Deal

According to reports from Portuguese newspaper Leonino, Arsenal is on the verge of securing a deal for Gyokeres.

The transfer is reportedly near completion, with only financial details remaining to be finalized.

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is already eyeing Fotis Ioannidis as a potential replacement for Gyokeres, indicating the club’s readiness to let their star striker leave.

Gyokeres’ Agent Comments on His Future

In April, Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, discussed the striker’s future with Portuguese newspaper Record.

Cetinkaya emphasized the importance of understanding Sporting’s plans, particularly regarding Amorim’s future at the club.

He acknowledged that numerous clubs are interested in Gyokeres but stressed the need to respect Sporting’s position.

“I would say that at this stage it’s important to know about Sporting’s future and what will happen with Ruben Amorim because we came here for him.

“We have to know what Sporting’s plans are. But we also have to respect Sporting because we chose them. They need to present us with their ideas but I can say that right now, there are a lot of clubs that want to sign him.

“We have not made any decision at the moment, nor are we going to make a decision on this or about staying. We’ll be focussed on what’s left [of the season], there are eight games ahead and after that we’ll make a decision on his future but it also depends a lot on what will happen with Ruben Amorim and his future.”

Cetinkaya added: “Viktor is an unavoidable topic and has been for what he’s been doing at Sporting. Everything he has been doing is not normal in football so that’s why there is a lot of interest.

“There are a lot of people that want to speak to us and clubs that want to discuss the situation. He is a great player and it’s normal for that to be the case.”

Calls for Viktor Gyokeres to Join Liverpool or Bayern

In January, Sporting CP legend Manuel Fernandes urged Gyokeres to consider moves to Liverpool or Bayern Munich.

Fernandes praised Gyokeres as one of the best strikers Sporting has seen since his departure, highlighting his all-around contributions on the field.

He expressed a desire for Gyokeres to stay at Sporting but recognized the striker’s potential to succeed at top European clubs.

Amorim on Potential Offers for Gyokeres

During the January transfer window, Ruben Amorim addressed rumors of offers for Gyokeres.

He mentioned hearing about a potential €85 million bid but dismissed it as insufficient.

Amorim emphasized that any mid-season departure would only occur through the activation of Gyokeres’ release clause, which is set at a substantial amount.

He acknowledged that significant offers could come in the summer but remained focused on maintaining the team’s stability.

Gyokeres on Transfer Speculation

Ahead of the January transfer window, Gyokeres himself commented on the speculation surrounding his future.

Speaking to Record, he expressed contentment with his current situation at Sporting and downplayed the transfer rumors.

He acknowledged the interest from big clubs but reiterated his focus on performing well for Sporting.

As Arsenal continues to pursue Viktor Gyokeres, the potential signing of the Swedish striker could significantly bolster their attacking options.

With competition from clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich, securing Gyokeres’ signature would be a major coup for Mikel Arteta’s side.