Arsenal get fresh Viktor Gyokeres transfer update with price tag now clear
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has issued a bullish response to claims over Viktor Gyokeres’ future following intense transfer speculation over a move to Arsenal. The Gunners were heavily linked with talismen across Europe as Mikel Arteta looked to bolster his strike options to complement Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal failed to add to their attacking reinforcements following speculation over moves to bring the likes of Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak. It has been claimed that the North London club were eyeing a move for the eye-catching Sweden forward but the club baulked at the price-tag.
The 26-year-old has an £80million (€100m) release clause included in his current contract and has reached new heights since moving to Portugal from Championship side Coventry, following their playoff final heartache against Luton Town. In his debut season in the Portuguese capital, he scored 29 goals and in four league appearances this season, he has already netted seven times – including a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Farense.
Following summer-long speculation over Gyokeres’ services, he remained at Sporting and after facing scrutiny over the star forward for the majority of the summer, Varandas boldly claimed that he has seen “inferior players” to the Swede sold in excess of their €100m release clause.
“A 100 million euro clause and whether it can be met depends on the player’s current situation, age, and whether there is more than one club in the running,” he said via Record. “I’ve seen inferior players being transferred for over 100 million, great players for under 100 million.
“Sporting is happy to have Viktor and he is happy here. During the transfer market, there wasn’t a day without news saying that Viktor was leaving.
“The transfer market closed and these questions continue. But hey, we live with it and that’s how it will be.
“We have a strong team, Viktor knows that he is well supported by two stars like Pote (Pedro Gonçalves) and (Francisco) Trincão. Morten is very humble. Sporting has a highly valued group today.
“I don’t remember having such a valuable squad, in terms of assets. Now, if we are going to surpass our rivals, it will be on the pitch.”
