Rui Borges has provided an update on Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting CP. The 26-year-old striker continues to be heavily linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.
Gyokeres, who sees his contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, featured 33 times in the Portuguese top-flight this season, scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Borges’ side, he has helped the Lions win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.
The Sweden international also fired Sporting to the Taca de Portugal final, netting four and setting up three. Sporting will lock horns with Benfica at the Estadio Nacional on Sunday as they look to clinch the domestic double.
When faced with reporters on Saturday ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight clash, Borges was quizzed on Gyokeres’ future. As quoted by the Metro, the Sporting boss said: “He is very happy here.
“He is very connected to the game, he wants to score, and he is obsessed with it. He is very focused on the final, he knows he had a great season.”
Borges added: “He is the best striker in Europe, as the numbers show. He will be attractive, but I believe that if he doesn’t leave Sporting, he will remain very committed to the club. He feels very happy here.”
On the summer transfer window, the Sporting head coach said: “I’m sure that a large part of the group will stay. That has been the club’s policy in recent years, and the achievements show it.
“It’s difficult to guarantee because there are clauses and things that we can’t control, but I believe that, if not all, a large part of the squad will stay for next season.
Speaking on Sport TV following Sporting’s 2-0 win over Vitória SC last weekend, Gyokeres was quizzed on his future. As quoted by Portuguese outlet Record, the Arsenal target keep his cards close to his chest.
“It’s football, I’m still here,” said Gyokeres. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. Nobody can predict the future.
football.london understands that the Gunners are long admirers of Gyokeres, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship. Despite catching the eye in his debut season at Sporting, Arsenal, like many other clubs, decided against making a bid
But, the Swede has continued his great form, making him an attractive option this summer. football.london understands that Andrea Berta is thought to be a ‘big fan’, but – as it stands – an official offer hasn’t been submitted.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sporting will let Gyokeres leave this summer if his asking price, which is thought to be €65m (£54.6m), is met. The report claims that the club and the player reached an agreement on his exit terms earlier this season.
