Arsenal Nears €63.5M Gyokeres Transfer Amid Sporting Fan Backlash

Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of a high-profile transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal, with the clubs close to finalizing a deal reportedly worth €63.5 million plus €10 million in add-ons. Gyokeres, who has scored an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since joining from Coventry in 2023, has not reported for pre-season training in protest to push the transfer forward, leading to disciplinary threats from Sporting's president. Fans of Sporting have expressed their frustration over his departure by displaying banners during a pre-season match, emphasizing that no player is above the club's interests and that they do not mourn those who leave. Arsenal sees Gyokeres as a solution to their long-standing need for a natural striker, a position that has been lacking in recent seasons. The player's agent has reportedly waived his commission to facilitate the move, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta aims to complete the signing before the club's pre-season tour of Asia. Despite his success in Portugal, Gyokeres faces pressure to prove himself in the Premier League amid mixed reactions from Sporting's supporters and management.