Viktor Gyokeres Reveals Why Transfer Didn’t Happen but Leaves Door Open for Future Move

Arsenal was heavily linked with Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window following his standout performances for Sporting Lisbon.

Despite speculation surrounding a potential move to the Emirates, the transfer never materialised, with Gyokeres shedding light on the reasons behind it and hinting at a possible future switch.

Sporting’s Price Tag Blocks Arsenal’s Approach

Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed an exceptional 2023/24 season with Sporting Lisbon, netting 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 games across all competitions.

His incredible form helped Sporting clinch the Portuguese league title, and his exploits did not go unnoticed by top European clubs, including Arsenal.

The Gunners were rumoured to be keen on signing the 26-year-old forward, who had also previously impressed at Coventry City with 21 Championship goals in the 2022/23 campaign.

However, Arsenal’s interest did not progress into a formal offer, with Mikel Arteta ultimately deciding against signing a striker during the summer window.

One of the main reasons for this was Gyokeres’ hefty release clause.

Sporting had set the striker’s price at £85 million, a figure that proved too steep for potential buyers.

In an interview with Sport Bladet, Gyokeres acknowledged the financial hurdles, saying, “They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight… It (the release clause) was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course, it’s a lot of money.”

Despite the transfer falling through, Gyokeres expressed his satisfaction with staying at Sporting, adding, “I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay.”

Gyokeres Leaves Future Transfer Door Open

While the Swedish striker is content at Sporting Lisbon for now, Gyokeres hinted at the possibility of moving to a bigger club in the future.

Although he respects Sporting’s valuation of him, the 26-year-old remains open to testing himself at a higher level.

“Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress,” he said, suggesting that a move could still be on the cards in future transfer windows.

Gyokeres remained coy about whether a transfer could happen as early as the January window but acknowledged that he wants to play at the highest level.

“But we’ll see what happens next window,” he added, leaving the door open for a possible switch if his form continues to attract attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

Blistering Start to the Season

As if to prove his value further, Gyokeres has started the 2024/25 season in sensational form.

He has already racked up seven goals and three assists in just five appearances for Sporting, continuing his goal-scoring streak from the previous season.

The striker has found the back of the net in each of the first four league games and even added an international goal for Sweden in their 3-0 Nations League win against Azerbaijan.