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Quits Practice for Arsenal
Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres is on the verge of joining Arsenal, as the English club enters the final stage of negotiations with Sporting CP. Amid this, the Swedish striker has taken a bold step: refusing to join Sporting‘s preseason training sessions to in pursuit of a move to Arsenal.
According to media outlet The Athletic, the 27-year-old informed Sporting president Frederico Varandas that he will not participate in any further matches for the club and has also communicated his decision to the coaching staff and teammates.
It was also said that Gyökeres feel betrayed after believing there was an existing agreement allowing him to leave for €60 million (approx. 70.1 million USD) plus €10 million (approx. 11.7 million USD) in add-ons. Although Arsenal are reportedly willing to exceed this fee, no final deal has yet been reached with the Portuguese club.
Deceived Manchester United
Previously, Manchester United were also eager to sign Gyökeres, as he was a favorite of Ruben Amorim, who helped transform him into a goal-scoring machine over the past two explosive seasons.
However, Gyökeres decisively chose Arsenal as his next destination. The forward is reportedly willing to give up nearly £2 million in wages to allow Arsenal to bid more for Sporting. He even declared his readiness to go on strike and skip training to pressure the Portuguese club into letting him leave.
What frustrated many Red Devils fans is that Gyökeres recently praised his former coach Amorim with high regard. In an interview with L’Équipe, he said, “We won the league two seasons in a row, the first time in 71 years. It was unbelievable. Amorim played a huge role, and I don’t know how to thank him enough. His style of play really suits me.”
Under Amorim’s guidance, Gyökeres exploded with 66 goals and 23 assists in just 68 matches. However, Arsenal fans shouldn’t be concerned—after Amorim left Sporting, Gyökeres continued his incredible form, scoring 31 goals and providing 12 assists in 34 matches.
Currently, Arsenal is still negotiating the transfer fee, with Sporting holding firm at £68.9 million. Arsenal’s latest offer stands at £64.6 million, just £4.3 million short of the asking price.
Despite the gap, both sides remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached. Gyökeres has already agreed to personal terms with Arsenal and is expected to sign a five-year contract, aiming to conquer the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.