On Tuesday, reports surfaced suggesting Viktor Gyökeres could be edging closer to Arsenal.
According to L’Équipe, the Gunners are advancing talks for the prolific Sporting striker, viewing him as a marquee signing.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to invest heavily, potentially activating his release clause, to get the deal over the line. Mikel Arteta is said to see Gyökeres as an ideal fit, physical, hard-pressing, and a constant goal threat.
Unsurprisingly, the update triggered mixed reactions from Gooners.
Some were frustrated at the potential snub of Benjamin Sesko, while others welcomed what felt like closure to a long-running striker chase.
Not so fast, say Record
However, Portuguese outlet Record swiftly poured cold water on the claims. The publication flatly denied any agreement between Arsenal and Gyökeres or that Sporting were in negotiations.
“In truth, Vik does not have any kind of agreement with Arsenal, and nor is Sporting closing any deal,” Record stated,
They added that while Sesko remains top of Arsenal’s shortlist, Gyökeres has not been ruled out entirely.
Storm brewing in Lisbon
Far from being over, this transfer saga appears to be simmering. The question now is whether Arsenal will firm up their interest before it is too late.
Gyökeres, who racked up a staggering 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, is growing restless over his future.
Sporting expect the Swedish forward to report for pre-season on Monday, 7 July. However, tensions are mounting over the player’s claim that he is available for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, a valuation Sporting flatly reject.
If the situation escalates, Gyökeres could skip pre-season altogether. In anticipation, Sporting are reportedly ready to fine him for every day he misses without valid cause, with the penalties increasing daily.
Opinion: Would Gyokeres be right to go on strike?
How protracted is this saga Gooners?
Daniel O
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With all this possible Gyokeres strike nonsense being reported I’m not surprised if Arsenal has cooled their interest, provisionally at least.
I just feel sorry for the guy_no one seems to want him badly enough. You’re under a contract, you belong there mate until that changes. See Harry Kane and Man city. Got to stay professional! How would i feel as a fan of sporting?
Yes, that’s an interesting point that I’ve seen raised before. I wouldn’t mind Gyokeres joining Arsenal (as long as all this other “baggage” is sorted quickly) but I do wonder why a player who scores a lot of goals, is coming into his peak years now, didn’t attract more (firmer?) interest last summer and more this time around. Perhaps it’s just one of those things.
Steel yourselves.
This epic saga could very easily drag out into August.
I have the strong sense we’ll get the business done on the other positions before this is resolved.
Meantime Juventus have signed an excellent striker, Jonathan David on a free.Is he vastly inferior to Goykeres? I think not.
I even say this as a Canadian (David is Canadian), David is vastly inferior to Goykeres.
Yes bro, he is inferior to him
We’ve studied Jonathan David extensively in the past.
He works best as the second striker in a partnership. His hold up play is considered not good enough for how we play either. So he’s a great fit for certain teams and certain leagues, but not interesting for us.
@Grandad. Fully agree. Jonathan David is a great striker.