Ultimatum given: Striker target informs his club of desire to join Arsenal this summer
Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has informed Sporting CP of his strong desire to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Record via Sport Witness.
The 27-year-old front man has revealed to Sporting president Frederico Varandas that he no longer intends to return to Lisbon for pre-season training, signaling a serious intent to depart
Despite whispers of interest from Manchester United and Juventus, Gyokeres has reportedly declined their advances, choosing to focus solely on a potential move to Arsenal.
The Swedish goal machine has even taken the rare step of personally phoning Sporting’s president to reaffirm his position, a move which shows his strong desire to leave the Portuguese club this summer and join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.
Viktor Gyokeres has been on the radar of Arsenal
Gyokeres has been sensational in Portugal, scoring 54 goals in 52 matches last season and ending a prolific campaign as Sporting’s talisman.
Sporting’s reported €100 million (£85m) release clause could price several suitors out of the race . Meanwhile, Gyokeres and Arsenal believe a “gentleman’s agreement” allows for a fee in the €60–70 million range.
Unless Sporting change their stance, the saga may spill into a summer standoff, with Gyokeres reportedly prepared to refuse training.
For Arsenal, delivering on this deal would mark a declaration of intent in their bid for domestic and European resurgence. But with a bitter valuation gap and Gyokeres prepared to escalate matters, the next few weeks promise to be even more dramatic.
Mikel Arteta is looking for a new striker this summer
The Gunners have lacked a prolific goal scorer for some time and this summer they are ready to address that issue in the transfer market.
Having seen his team lose the Premier League title for three seasons in a row, Arteta is now prepared to spend money on a new striker.
It remains to be seen if that striker will be Gyokeres or someone else but a new attacker is most likely going to come to the Emirates this summer.
As far as other incomings at Arsenal are concerned, the Gunners are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arizzabalaga from Chelsea soon.
Sources: Arsenal turn attention to €60 million Chelsea star after losing top target
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