Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been spotted on holiday in Greece amid links to a summer move to the Premier League.
Gyokeres, 27, was seen catching rays on the Greek island of Mykonos in a pair of striped trunks and sporting sunglasses aboard a private yacht.
He was seen with a group of friends who appeared to be in high spirits during what is a well-earned break for one of Europe’s most talked about forwards
Speculation over his future has intensified with Arsenal and Manchester United both reportedly interested in signing the Swedish international.
He scored 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last season and has reportedly contacted Sporting president Frederico Varandas to demand a transfer.
But his lofty price-tag could prove a hindrance in both the Gunners’ and the Red Devils’ pursuit of the forward.
Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres is soaking up the sun in style during his summer getaway to Mykonos, Greece
He was seen with a group of friends who appeared to be in high spirits during their getaway
The in-demand striker was pictured aboard a private yacht alongside his friend-group
Gyokeres is said to have believed that he reached a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting last summer that would see the Portuguese league champions accept a fee around €70million (£60million, including add-ons, at the end of the 2024-25 season.
However, Sporting are now appearing to hold out for a significantly increased fee – with Gyokeres having a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current contract.
Despite Gyokeres’ apparent agitation for a move, Varandas accused his team of attempting to ‘blackmail’ Sporting, while he reportedly threatened to go on strike after vowing to ‘speak at the right time’.
Now Gyokeres has made his thoughts clear to Varandas in a phone call, where he told him he wants to join Arsenal and should be allowed to after ‘giving everything for the club,’ according to Portuguese publication Record.
The report claims that the Swede will refuse to return to Lisbon and will ‘never forgive those responsible’ if a move to Arsenal breaks down’.
Arsenal are also exploring options over the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who is believed to be sporting director Andrea Berta’s preferred option over Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly called Sporting’s president to demand a summer transfer
Sporting President Frederico Varandas previously accused him of trying to ‘blackmail’ the club
The Swedish striker, 27, is said to prefer a move to Arsenal rather than reuniting with Amorim
Sources close to the club suggest that Sporting Lisbon’s keenness to offload Gyokeres has become clearer by the day and arguably weakened their hand.
Internally, there was already reservations over the 27-year-old because Portugal’s Primeira Liga is a totally different proposition to the Premier League, even though he scored 39 league goals last season.
Berta is said to have other striker options in mind. If a deal for Sesko or Gyokeres was not to materialise, the prospect of a surprise name entering the frame is a possibility.
Sources told MailSport that RB Leipzig are driving a hard bargain over Sesko because they know how desperate the Gunners are for a striker and the limited availability of world-class forwards.
