Arsenal striker target Viktor Gyokeres has spoken out as rumours surrounding his future continue to swirl amid links to a Premier League transfer.
The Gunners hold a long-standing interest in the 27-year-old as they look to fix a glaring problem area in Mikel Arteta’s squad, and reportedly saw a £46.8million bid rejected today amid face-to-face negotiations
Manchester United are also known to be interested in the player, who has scored 97 goals in 102 matches since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023.
The already drawn-out saga could soon turn sour, as reports in Portugal claim Gyokeres has threatened to go on strike as he looks to force a move.
But the player appears to have responded to those reports in a cryptic message posted on his Instagram page.
He wrote: “There is a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”
Reports in the Portuguese press claim he feels Sporting’s hierarchy have reneged on a gentlemen’s agreement, where it was understood he would be allowed to leave the club for less than his £85m release clause.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas threw fuel on the fire on Wednesday as he attempted to clear the air in a press conference. He told the media that Sporting did not want to include a release clause in Gyokeres’ contract.
Speaking before Arsenal’s reported offer, he added: “Gyokeres has scored 63 goals and made 10 assists. A fantastic performance. Easily among the best players to grace Portuguese pitches. And Sporting will not demand the release clause.
Sporting will not accept blackmail or insults now. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 (£51.5 plus £8.5m). As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
