2 weeks ago
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Liverpool may have avoided a costly mistake by not going after Viktor Gyokeres, with the striker reportedly prepared to skip pre-season training with Sporting Lisbon as he looks to force through a move to Arsenal.
The Swedish striker has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League after two strong seasons in Portugal and has emerged as a key target for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Talks between Arsenal and Sporting have been ongoing for several weeks, and while personal terms are said to be agreed, the two clubs remain apart on the transfer fee. Sporting is standing firm on a reported $81.3 million up-front price, along with $11.6 million in add-ons — a package it has deemed non-negotiable.
Arsenal’s latest bid is believed to have fallen short of that valuation, with no breakthrough yet in sight.
Despite the impasse, Gyokeres is said to be pushing hard for the move and is determined to secure a switch to north London before the new season begins.
Now, the forward has broken his silence in a wide-ranging interview with L’Equipe. While he wasn’t directly asked about Arsenal’s pursuit, Gyokeres made it clear that a return to the Premier League is high on his agenda.
Asked whether he would be leaving Sporting this summer, the 27-year-old said: "Maybe. That’s football, you never know. I don’t think about it.
"We’ll see what happens. If something happens, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.
"It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it’s something I’d like to do. It would be great revenge."
Gyokeres is reportedly growing frustrated with Sporting Lisbon over how the club’s hierarchy has handled his potential transfer.
According to sources close to the player, his discontent stems from a belief that Sporting have gone back on a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ made earlier — one that would have allowed him to leave for a reduced fee this summer.
Gyökeres, who still has three years remaining on his contract with the Portuguese side, looks increasingly unlikely to see out those terms amid growing tensions and his desire to leave.
The Swedish international enjoyed a sensational 2023–24 campaign, netting an incredible 54 goals in all competitions — a tally that has only intensified interest from top clubs across Europe.
Liverpool.com says: While Liverpool is in the market for a new striker, it's clear to see why Gyokeres hasn't made the shortlist. Arne Slot has a cohesive squad and disruptive figures — no matter how gifted — don’t fit the profile.
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