Swedish Striker Gyokeres Seeks Arsenal Transfer, Forsakes Sporting Training

Viktor Gyokeres, the 27-year-old striker currently at Sporting CP, is the subject of a high-profile transfer battle between Arsenal and Manchester United, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race. Gyokeres has been in exceptional goal-scoring form, netting 97 goals in 102 games over two seasons, and is looking to return to the Premier League to prove himself, describing it as "great revenge" since he hasn't played a top-flight game in England despite previous spells at Brighton and Coventry. The striker has refused to report for Sporting's pre-season, accusing the club president of reneging on a promised transfer agreement that would have allowed him to leave for around €60 million, while Arsenal’s bid has reportedly exceeded that amount. Arsenal has prepared a five-year contract for Gyokeres and he has expressed admiration for Arsenal players like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel, reinforcing his interest in joining a club that truly wants him. Manchester United’s interest is partly linked to manager Ruben Amorim, Gyokeres’s former coach at Sporting, but Arsenal appears closer to securing the deal. The situation remains fluid, with Gyokeres emphasizing that he will only move to a club that genuinely desires him, and Sporting possibly facing the prospect of terminating his contract, which could allow Arsenal to sign him for free.