Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP’s prolific Swedish striker and a top target for Arsenal, is reportedly furious with his club over what he believes is a broken transfer promise. The frustration stems from an agreement made last summer by then-sporting director Hugo Viana, assuring Gyokeres that he would be allowed to leave for a reduced fee of €60-70 million well below his €100 million release clause.
This verbal assurance influenced Gyokeres’s decision to remain at Sporting for the 2025/26 season, where he went on to enjoy a record-breaking campaign. The 26-year-old forward scored an astounding 54 goals and contributed 13 assists in just 52 appearances, guiding the club to a historic double and their first consecutive league title in 70 years.
Despite his exceptional contributions and expectations of a big summer move, negotiations have hit a wall. Arsenal have submitted an offer of €55 million plus €10 million in performance-related add-ons. However, this proposal falls short of the €80 million now being demanded by Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who has taken a firm public stance against any perceived pressure from the player’s camp.
Varandas recently dismissed the notion of letting Gyokeres go for anything less than their valuation, making it clear that tactics such as threats or pressure from agents would not sway the club. His declaration has only added to Gyokeres’s frustration, who believes the club is reneging on a previous understanding.
Currently on vacation, Gyokeres has reportedly communicated his displeasure directly to the club. While Arsenal are leading the chase, they face competition from Juventus, who according to reports are prepared to reach the €80 million figure that Sporting are believed to accept. Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Al Ahli are also monitoring the situation, though they are viewed as less serious contenders at this stage.
Gyokeres has a clear preference for the English Premier League, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool among his favored destinations. Beyond England, he is also open to moves to major European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, and Bayern Munich.
As of now, no club has matched Sporting’s asking price, and unless a breakthrough is achieved soon, Gyokeres is expected to report back for pre-season training in early July albeit reluctantly. With multiple clubs circling and the player’s discontent growing, this is a transfer saga likely to dominate headlines throughout the summer.
