- Sporting have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Arsenal-linked Viktor Gyokeres.
- Gyokeres turned down the prospect of moving to Saudi Arabia as he wants to continue to compete in Europe.
- Club president Frederico Varandas recently claimed that “no promises” were made to Gyokeres about letting him leave for a cheaper deal this summer.
Arsenal have been handed an encouraging update in their pursuit to land Viktor Gyokeres after claims that Sporting are looking at Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic.
Softfootball understands that Sporting have tried to resist losing their star man but Gyokeres has made it clear he wants to leave the club.
Arsenal are yet to announce their first arrival of the summer transfer window, though such confirmation is surely not far off. They agreed personal terms with Martin Zubimendi in January and have since activated the midfielder’s €60million (£51m / $70m) release clause at Real Sociedad.
There has been speculation that Real Madrid could try to scupper the move, but Zubimendi is understood to have passed his Arsenal medical and will soon link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad formally.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been among the clubs most heavily linked with the Swede this summer. Gyokeres recently signalled a desire to join Arsenal, but the Gunners currently seem to be prioritising a move for RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko.
Gyokeres is one of Europe’s most in-demand players this summer after scoring a sensational 97 goals in 102 matches since joining Sporting in 2023. He bagged 39 league goals last season to help them win a league and cup double.
The Swede has played in England previously. He spent time at Brighton, Swansea and Coventry. It was his performances with the Sky Blues in the Championship that first caught the attention of Ruben Amorim when he was in charge of Sporting, where he’s been a huge success.
The Swedish striker reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement to leave the Portuguese champions this summer for offers above £58million (€70m) despite a release clause of around £84m (€100m). However, club president Frederico Varandas recently claimed that “no promises” were made to Gyokeres about letting him leave for a cheaper deal this summer.
Acording to Croatian publication Germanijak claim that Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic is of interest to Sporting amid Gyokeres’ uncertain future at the club. It is claimed that Sporting have sent an offer of €20m (£17m) but the Swiss club have rejected the offer “without hesitation” and made it clear that they will not let Ivanovic go for less than £25m.
The promising 21-year-old has scored 20 goals and registered seven assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this season. Ivanovic played a key role in Saint-Gilloise’s Belgian top-flight title win – their first in 90 years.
Gyokeres’ future, meanwhile, remains in limbo amid reports that he has made a U-turn on Man United after previous claims that he preferred a move to Arsenal. The Sweden international knows Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim well from their time in Portugal together, while many at Old Trafford will be hoping this could help them convince him to join the M16 club.
Gyokeres turned down the prospect of moving to Saudi Arabia in May as he wants to continue to compete in Europe. Al-Hilal made a £55m offer, which Sporting rejected, but the forward made clear he had no intention of moving to the Gulf state. His options are limited, however, and will only dwindle if the Gunners sign Sesko.
The Sporting star could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal if they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club can eventually manage to secure his service this summer.
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