Viktor Gyokeres has stepped up his efforts to force a stunning move away from Sporting CP by taking drastic action amid intense transfer speculation.
Gyokeres’ name has dominated the transfer rumour mill, having been linked with several European powerhouses, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus.
Arsenal and Man United are hellbent on recruiting a new No.9 ahead of the new season, while Juve are keen on reinforcing their forward line.
The Gunners, however, appear to be leading the race to sign Gyokeres and are said to be closing in on an agreement.
The 27-year-old is ‘prioritising’ a transfer to the Emirates, with the club working to acquire his services and have a lucrative five-year deal prepared.
Man United, on the other hand, are still in the mix and could hijack Arsenal’s deal in what would be a sensational twist.
Ruben Amorim is eager to lure him to Old Trafford to complete a reunion following their time together at Sporting.
One thing’s for sure, Gyokeres wants to leave Sporting and return to the Premier League, having been on the books at Brighton.
So much so, he does not intend to report back for pre-season training with his current side.
That’s according to David Ornstein, who claims the star forward feels ‘betrayed’ and believes club president Frederico Varandas has ‘reneged on a pact to let him go for €60 million plus €10 million, which Arsenal have already surpassed but still no agreement is in place on a fee’.
Gyokeres was given an extended break by Sporting amid ongoing talks about his future.
But he was absent on Friday’s delayed return date and has told Varandas he will not play for them again, per the report.
The Swedish international has emerged as one of the leading forwards in Europe following his incredible goal-scoring exploits in Portugal.
He scored 43 goals in 50 games in his debut campaign at Sporting following his switch from Coventry City before bagging a remarkable 54 goals in 52 games last season.
