Viktor Gyokeres has told his family where he expects to play next season, according to reports.
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Gyokeres has let his close circle know that he expects to leave Sporting CP and join ..Continue Reading
The Swedish striker has become one of the most talked-about names in European football following a standout season in Portugal, where he delivered an extraordinary number of goals and played a pivotal role in Sporting’s domestic success.
While several top clubs, including Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester United, have shown strong interest, Arsenal are seen as front-runners.
Gyokeres is believed to have turned down a move to Old Trafford, preferring the opportunity to play in the Champions League and join the north London side.
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Negotiations have been complicated by a tense relationship between his agent and Sporting’s president, who has rejected claims of an informal agreement allowing Gyokeres to leave for a set fee.
Still, the forward remains hopeful that the situation will be resolved, and reports suggest he’s already told those closest to him to expect him in Arsenal colours.
The club’s first bid was rejected, but they’re preparing a new offer as talks continue.
‘There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right,’ Gyokeres told his followers on Instagram last week.
Gyokeres remains under contract with Sporting CP until the summer of 2028.
Should Arsenal be unable to secure a deal for the Swedish striker, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is still viewed as a strong alternative.
However, any move for the Slovenian forward could prove challenging, as Saudi side Al-Hilal are also pushing hard to sign him.
Although Arsenal have been in discussions with Leipzig since last month, negotiations have yet to gain real momentum, with the German club holding firm on a valuation exceeding £70 million.
When asked about rumours he is pressing RB Leipzig to lower their demands, Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, told Give Me Sport: ‘This is far from truth!
‘We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100 per cent convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.
‘Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.
‘I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
‘I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in football world should be more respect.
‘So that’s why we do things in the right way or we don’t do them. It’s very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated.’
Basanovic suggested Sesko could stay put in German football if he is not presented with the right offer this summer.
‘Well, his numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words,’ he added.
‘He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach.’
