Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres still wants Arsenal, but soaring fees and a bold snub of Manchester United have left his plans hanging by a thread.
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Gyokeres prefers move to ArsenalReason for Man Utd snub revealedStriker wanted to play in the UCLFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Gyokeres’ future remains uncertain as Sporting CP continue to demand a high fee for the striker, far beyond the €60 million (£51m/$69m) fee with €10 million (£8.5m/$11.5m) in add-ons originally anticipated by his camp. Arsenal, once keen on a bargain move, have paused their pursuit as the asking price has climbed. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are both circling, with the Italian side pushing harder in recent days.
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Despite interest from abroad, Portuguese outlet Record has claimed that Gyokeres’ main goal is to move to the Premier League and play Champions League football – ideally with Arsenal. The Swedish striker still hopes Mikel Arteta will reignite his interest, believing there’s still a chance of joining the Gunners this summer. His camp, however, may have misjudged the market by expecting a reduced fee that Sporting were never prepared to accept.
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Manchester United had also shown interest; however, Gyokeres made it clear he is not tempted. As per the Record, the striker wants to join a team fighting for titles and already in the Champions League – two boxes United can’t tick at the moment. Despite his former boss, Ruben Amorim, being at Old Trafford, the Swede does not believe that a reunion will be as beneficial for his career as a move to Arsenal.
WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?
The situation remains fluid, but as Juventus continue talks and Arsenal weigh up their next move, Gyokeres is left hoping his patience will pay off. The summer drama is only just beginning for the Swedish striker's signature, and it is possible that Sporting's stubbornness could crop up a similar situation as Victor Osimhen faced at Napoli last summer.