Arsenal and Man Utd in no doubt over Gyokeres transfer after family messages

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Viktor Gyokeres' family have spoken out on the striker's future after he concluded another triumphant campaign at Sporting Lisbon, with Arsenal and Manchester United chasing his signature
Arsenal and Manchester United fans are buzzing at the prospect of Viktor Gyokeres joining their ranks this summer. And certain members of his inner circle have already given some considerable clues concerning his transfer fate.
The ex-Coventry star has thrived since joining Sporting Lisbon almost two years ago, having signed for the club under current United boss Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres has propelled the Lions to back-to-back Primeira Liga triumphs and topped the scoring charts in both campaigns, bagging an impressive 54 goals in all competitions this term.
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Sporting's dramatic comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Benfica and lift the Taca de Portugal saw the Swede bag a pivotal 101st-minute penalty that forced extra time. Partner Ines Aguiar was at the game and found herself swamped by eager fans, all desperate for a scoop on her beau's future.
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Amid the frenzy, Lisbon-born actress Aguiar reportedly assured the clamouring crowd and media that he would be staying put, according to A Bola, as she "promised" to do her utmost to convince him to commit to a third season with Sporting.
The sway of a significant other can't be underestimated when it comes to transfers, but the Emirates has some significant edge over Old Trafford in terms of its current allure. Arsenal will return to Champions League contention next term, while United's fall to Tottenham in the Europa League final means they won't play European football of any kind.
The Gunners reportedly entered discussions with Gyokeres' agent this week after Correio da Manha said representatives had jetted to Lisbon. Mikel Arteta caught criticism for failing to add another forward to his ranks last summer, but appears to be on the front foot in correcting that error this time around.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres' uncle, Chris, dished the details on his nephew's future during a chat with the media ahead of the Taca de Portugal final. He divulged the Gyokeres family met up for dinner the night before, where the star's transfer future was a hot topic.
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And Uncle Chris wasn't shy about sharing his views from that discussion, albeit perhaps with a pinch of personal bias. Since Gyokeres settled into life at Estadio Jose Alvalade in 2023, his relatives have come to love Lisbon, and Chris went so far as to say the family agreed their golden child should continue calling the city his home.
"Yes, very much," he told Sport.TV, when asked if he and the family felt a connection to Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
The desires of Gyokeres' family won't concern Arsenal or United as much as the player's intentions, given that he will make the final decision. The Red Devils have at least one edge, given Amorim's shared history with the player, but United are no longer the same attraction they once were.
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And in fact the team may have already accepted defeat in the race amid word United seem close to bagging Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5million. Premier League rivals Chelsea are also understood to be eyeing a move for Gyokeres and can offer the Champions League football he'd desire.
Sporting don't appear to be in a rush to sell their prized asset, believed to be on the market for £60m. At a recent press event set up by Radio Renascenca's Bola Branca, vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha provided some clarity on the matter.
"Gyokeres? He has three more years on his contract," he said. "At the moment, there are no offers. He has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given."