Gyökeres transfer looms as Arsenal and United press Sporting CP for summer breakthrough.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their bid to sign Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, as the Portuguese side grants the wantaway star an extended pre-season break amid escalating transfer tensions. With both clubs keen to land a marquee forward, the Gyökeres transfer looms large over the summer window.
Gyökeres, who has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting over two seasons, is believed to have informed club president Frederico Varandas of his desire to leave this summer. Reports suggest the 27-year-old striker thought he had a gentleman’s agreement with the club to allow a move for around €70 million (£60m) at the end of the 2024–25 season.
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However, Sporting are now said to be holding out for a significantly higher fee, pointing to Gyökeres’ €100 million (£84m) release clause. This shift has reportedly frustrated the player, who has made it clear he wants to join Arsenal and feels he has “given everything for the club”.
With Sporting’s pre-season set to begin imminently, Gyökeres has been spotted vacationing in Mykonos and has been told he can return to training on July 7, rather than the original July 1 date. This extension is widely seen as a strategic move, giving Arsenal and United more time to negotiate a deal.
Both clubs are actively seeking a marquee striker this summer. Arsenal are also eyeing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, while United have already secured Matheus Cunha and are in talks for Bryan Mbeumo. Gyökeres’ availability could tilt the balance, especially as Sporting’s willingness to negotiate may weaken their bargaining position.
Sporting president Varandas has publicly denied any formal agreement to sell Gyökeres at a discount but hinted at flexibility in the asking price, acknowledging that no player has left the Portuguese league for such a high fee at age.
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