On Arsenal’s radar, Gyokeres informs that he will no longer play for Sporting
Swedish striker skips preseason after €70M offer rejected; Gunners see him as a key attacking addition
Sporting CP may have lost their star striker Viktor Gyokeres as the Swedish international has officially informed the club that he will not return for the upcoming season. According to The Athletic, the forward refused to report for preseason training and personally told club president Frederico Varandas of his decision to leave the Lisbon side.
The fallout reportedly stems from Sporting’s refusal to accept a substantial offer from Premier League giants Arsenal a deal that could have reached €70 million, including bonuses.
Arsenal’s €70M Bid Rejected by Sporting
The Gunners reportedly matched Gyokeres’ release clause, submitting a proposal of €60 million fixed plus €10 million in performance-based bonuses. Despite this, Sporting rejected the offer, opting to hold out for more or delay the sale.
The rejection reportedly infuriated the player, who believes the club went back on a verbal agreement to let him leave if his clause was met. As a result, the 26-year-old is now determined to force a move away, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Gyokeres: 54 Goals in 52 Matches
Gyokeres has been nothing short of sensational since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023. In the 2024/25 season, he was the driving force behind Sporting’s domestic dominance, winning the Primeira Liga and the Portuguese Cup while scoring a jaw-dropping 54 goals in 52 appearances.
The striker’s lethal form has turned heads across Europe, but Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, are reportedly prioritizing him as a top transfer target to reinforce their attacking options for the upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Return to England on the Horizon
A move to Arsenal would mark a return to English football for Gyokeres, who previously had unsuccessful spells at Brighton, Swansea City, and Coventry City before exploding onto the scene in Portugal.
At 27 years old, Gyokeres is entering his prime and eager to take the next step in his career something he no longer sees as possible at Sporting.
