‘Viktor Gyokeres goes to extreme lengths to force Arsenal move as saga rumbles on’
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres is trying to force a move away from Sporting Lisbon in the latest development in this transfer saga.
The Gunners have been searching for a striker since the transfer window opened with Gyokeres, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a top target for the club.
It was revealed last week that Sesko’s asking price had dropped and a deal could be struck at less than £60million.
The North London side are also close to announcing three news players after deals were recently reached for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa and Chrisitan Norgaard.
Strike action may force Gyokeres move
Gyokeres, also a target for Manchester United, is according to Report threatening to go on strike at Sporting to force through a move to the Premier League and even voice his frustrations publicly on the situation.
The Swede is unhappy with comments made by club president Frederico Varandas and believes the club will not let him leave for less than his release clause, as he states had been agreed.
Varandas has said: “There is a strong likelihood that he [Gyokeres] will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is.
“I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won’t leave, absolutely not.
‘We have been watching the market and I saw Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65million. I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor’s market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75million.”
It was reported Arsenal could land Gyokeres for £70m, despite his £85m release clause, and his preference is to join the Gunners over United.
Gyokeres’ contract in Portugal does not run out until 2028.
Striker saga set to continue
Football Insider verdict
This is another twist in Arsenal’s search for a striker.
Gyokeres trying to force a move to London potentially could speed up negotiations and Arteta could now look to land the Swede over Sesko.
This news comes just days after Leipzig had reportedly dropped their asking price for the Slovenian, making a deal there more likely.
The decision either way still lies with Arteta and how much money the club are willing to pay.
A striker seems to be all that is between the Gunners and Premier League glory and a top goal scorer would also help their challenge for the Champions League.
At 22, Sesko has age on his side over Gyokeres, but the 27-year-old has played in England before and his record in Portugal is extraordinary.
| Appearances | 102 |
| Goals | 97 |
| Assists | 28 |
This saga looks set to run on potentially into Arteta’s pre-season preparations and the Spaniard could really require a striker before Arsenal’s opening day trip to Manchester United.