Viktor Gyokeres has indicated that a move to Sporting Lisbon in the summer would be too expensive for him, as Arsenal are also said to be interested.
The Swedish striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates following his incredible goalscoring performances in the 2023/24 season.
2
He scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 games in all competitions, leading Sporting to the Portuguese league title.
There has been widespread speculation that the Gunners are big admirers of the 26-year-old, who scored 21 Championship goals for Coventry in the 2022/23 season.
However, Arsenal were unable to formalise their interest in the former Brighton centre-forward as Mikel Arteta opted against signing a striker in the summer transfer window.
And with the player boasting a release clause worth £85 million, Gyokeres believes the huge sum is putting off potential suitors.
He told Sport Bladet: “They (Sporting) wanted most of the regular players to stay and put us under pressure.
“That’s how it happened, but I really enjoy Sporting, so it was no problem for me to stay.”
Gyokeres did not rule out a move from Sporting in 2025 and remained skeptical about his future.
He added: “Of course. You want to play at the highest level.”
“It (his £85 million release clause) was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens in the next transfer window.”
“Nothing happened and I feel like I had a pretty good season. So yeah, that’s probably why there just wasn’t a move.”
2
“But Sporting values my worth and that has to be respected.”
“I have a lot of fun at Sporting and have nothing to complain about, so it is absolutely no problem for me to stay.
“Of course, the goal is to test other leagues and a higher level, but I’m not stressed.”
As if there was ever any doubt, Gyokeres has started the new season with brilliant performances, contributing seven goals and three assists in five club games.
He scored in each of the first four games in the top division.
And he even scored a goal for Sweden in their 3-0 Nations League win over Azerbaijan on Thursday evening.
If he maintains his remarkable form, it is quite possible that a major European company will try to snap him up when the market reopens in January.
BECOME PART OF THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things The Pitch Prospect by joining The DUGOUT – our new listener panel.
We are all about understanding your perspectives and making sure The Pitch Prospect is the best it can be. Your voice is important and we want to hear it!
Contribute your groundbreaking ideas and participate in fun polls, polls and locker room discussions.
By signing up you will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers. For each additional survey you complete you will be entered into another prize draw.
To participate in the panel “The DUGOUT”, Click here.