Arsenal and Manchester United Target Viktor Gyokeres Amid Falling Out with Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres is facing a tumultuous exit from Sporting Lisbon as tensions rise, leading him to send a legal letter to the club. Though he is set to leave during the summer transfer window, the nature of his legacy at Sporting remains uncertain amidst escalating conflicts.
Arsenal has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Gyokeres for £55 million plus an additional £8.6 million in bonuses. However, negotiations between Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and Sporting’s management have yet to finalize the terms of the transfer.
This delay has allowed Manchester United to enter the fray, as they recently launched a competing bid worth between €70-80 million (£60-69 million) in hopes of bringing Gyokeres back to rejoin manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite these developments, Gyokeres has effectively severed ties with Sporting. The 27-year-old striker is adamant about leaving and is prepared to confront the club president, Federico Varandas, to expedite his transfer.
The discord has intensified, with both parties exchanging accusations across the Portuguese media, particularly over a supposed agreement regarding Gyokeres’ departure if an offer of €60 million plus €10 million was made, which Varandas denies ever occurred.
In protest, Gyokeres has boycotted pre-season training, asserting that he will not play for Sporting again, prompting the club to initiate disciplinary actions against him. Reports indicate that he has authorized his legal representatives to address Varandas formally, claiming the president reneged on their agreement.
This complicated situation arises as Sporting attempts to maximize the transfer fee for Gyokeres, who is under contract until June 2028. Varandas has publicly stated that the club is not inclined to lower their demands, emphasizing that no player’s interests override those of the club.
