Sporting Lisbon fans have issued their response to wantaway forward Viktor Gyokeres as the Swedish star edges closer to a £62.4m move to Arsenal.
Gyokeres has been determined to secure a switch to the Premier League this summer, with Mikel Arteta‘s side having been his preferred destination.
Protracted negotiations between the sides has led to Gyokeres failing to return to pre-season training with Sporting last Friday.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas threatened Gyokeres with disciplinary action, with the Swedish international appearing likely to damage his reputation at the club, despite two stunning seasons helping them earn back-to-back league titles.
Arsenal and Sporting eventually agreed a deal with an initial £55m, with a further £7.4m in add-ons, while Gyokeres has agreed a five-year contract.
Fans of the Portuguese giants had their say the first time in a match situation when Sporting faced Celtic in their opening pre-season friendly.
Sporting Lisbon fans have made their feelings clear on Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal
One banner was revealed at their pre-season friendly reading ”I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay’
Another was revealed in the second half reading ‘No one is above the club’s interests, no matter who they are’, as well as the message ‘Focused on the Tri’
Two banners were displayed at the match responding to the saga surrounding Gyokeres.
The first banner, as reported by A Bola, read ‘I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay.’
Sporting supporters aimed another banner at Gyokeres during the second half, which read ‘No one is above the club’s interests, no matter who they are’.
The banner also included the message ‘Focused on the Tri’, showing their support for Rui Borges’ squad, who ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat to Celtic in the friendly.
The banners indicate a willingness from Sporting fans to move on from Gyokeres, with their hopes of holding onto their star striker looking increasing faint.
Gyokeres has enjoyed a stunning two-year spell in the Portuguese top flight, netting 97 times in just 102 appearances for the club.
He scored 54 goals for Sporting last term across all competitions, and is rated as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
Should he seal a move to Arsenal, Gyokeres will depart Sporting having earned two league titles and the Portuguese Cup during his time at the club.
Arsenal are hoping to complete the £62.4m transfer of Gyokeres before their pre-season tour
Mikel Arteta will hope Gyokeres can provide the goals needed to help Arsenal win the league
Gyokeres had joined Sporting in a £20m move from Coventry in 2023, where he had scored 43 goals in two-and-a-half seasons.
Having struggled to break into the first team at Brighton, Gyokeres’ career has been on the ascent in recent years.
Gyokeres would end Arsenal’s long-search for high-quality centre forward, providing Mikel Arteta’s squad with a boost as they aim to secure a first Premier League title in 21 years.
Arsenal hope the move will be sealed in time for Gyokeres to fly to Asia for their pre-season tour at end of the week.
The Gunners are also closing in on Valencia centre back Cristhian Mosquera and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the latter expected to complete a £52m move across London.
Arsenal have been busy so far this summer as they look to increase their depth ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Headlining their summer arrivals so far is Martin Zubimendi, who left LaLiga side Real Sociedad in a deal worth £60m.
They have also brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga as understudy to No1 goalkeeper David Raya as well as adding Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.
