Latest news with #Gyokeres
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres transfer bid suffers setback as champions join chase
Viktor Gyokeres is set to be one of the most sought-after players in football this summer as Arsenal and Manchester United chase his signature, but now Napoli have joined the race to sign the Swedish hitman Italian champions Napoli are ready to battle it out with Arsenal for Sporting Lisbon's £67million-rated striker Viktor Gyokeres. Coach Antonio Conte has told the club to make a move for the 26-year-old former Brighton, Swansea and Coventry forward, who has transformed himself into one of Europe's most prolific goalscorer. Conte is in a position of strength after leading Napoli to the serie A title and then turning down an approach from Juventus for his services. He wants Gyokeres to lead his attack in the Champions League next season. Napoli could now take advantage of Arsenal's indecision on whether to pursue the Swedish International or RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners are finally ready to arm manager Mikel Arteta with a proven goalscorer after finishing second in the Premier League for three seasons in succession. And with reports that the London club are leaning towards Slovakian forward Sesko, that has opened up a window of opportunity for others when it comes to Gyokeres. Sporting made it clear this week that they will not accept anything less than their £67million valuation for a player who scored an incredible 57 goals in 49 games this season for club and country. Conte already has Romelu Lukaku as a quality forward option in Naples. The former Chelsea star netted 14 times in the Italian top flight and was their top scorer, but the Belgian needs more competition up front. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is also a huge admirer of Gyokeres after working with him in Portugal. United would need to sell players first to come up with the cash - which is why the £100million interest from the Saudi Pro League in Bruno Fernandes has caused such a stir at Old Trafford. United legend has already urged his old club to take the money if they receive a bid in that region, knowing it could help the Red Devils add a few more signings amid their financial restrictions. The club are desperate for more forward options after watching Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund score seven Premier League goals between them this season. United were hoping to lure Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to Old Trafford this summer, but he has snubbed them in favour of joining Chelsea.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Arsenal offered Benjamin Sesko and have free run at transfer with RB Leipzig desperate to sell £85million striker
RB LEIPZIG would love to sell star player Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal NEXT WEEK. The Bundesliga club have told the Slovenian forward, 21, they are looking for a quick sale so they can start spending the cash at the start of the transfer window. 3 3 But the situation is complicated because Arsenal are looking at Sesko and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres and are extremely unlikely to sign both as they also need to strengthen elsewhere. Arsenal could even prioritise trying to sign in-demand £70million rated Gyokeres, meaning Mikel Arteta 's search for a new striker could turn into a saga and Sesko might have to wait. Gunners boss Arteta wanted to sign Sesko both last summer and in January. Leipzig know the north London club remain interested but there have been no further talks. Leipzig did speak with Sesko this week and told him he can leave as soon as possible. But the German club are hoping for £85m, although they are likely to get nearer £60m. Sesko was due to play for the club in a friendly against Santos on Wednesday but was ruled out with a knee injury. The centre-forward enjoyed an impressive season with Leipzig as he amassed 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. This adds to the Arsenal target's total of 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances ever since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. The Slovenian also counts 16 goals in 41 caps with his national team. Martin Zubimendi, meanwhile, will complete his Arsenal medical in the next few days ahead of a £51m switch from Real Sociedad. 3
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal's big striker dilemma answered as they pick between Gyokeres and Sesko
Arsenal's need for a new striker was one of the stories of the 2024-25 season, even before the man doing the job was ruled out for several months. Kai Havertz is not a natural number nine - even if he was doing a decent job of it - while Gabriel Jesus' second significant knee injury has only accelerated the need for investment in the area. Mikel Arteta's team scored 22 fewer goals this season than last. The idea that they're fine without a new striker was far easier to defend during the 2023-24 campaign, but now there appears to be a consensus that a new face is needed - and at significant cost. Whoever moves to Arsenal this summer will be a starting striker not just for this season but for the next few on top of that. And now we've got two names at the front of the queue: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. There's arguably no such thing as a 'sure thing' at number nine - at least not for clubs without a bottomless chequebook. Alexander Isak might be the closest there is to such a thing, but it would have been a tall order to convince Newcastle to sell the Swede even before they secured Champions League qualification and the extra funds that brings. And so, we move on to two men with significant upsides, but questions as well. Here, Mirror Football more closely examines which of Gyokeres would suit Arsenal the best. Gyokeres looks to be the better fit for a club after a player who can hit the ground running. The Sporting striker didn't just score goals in the Primeira Liga during his club's title defence - he left the rest of the competition in his dust. His 39 goals in the league were more than double his nearest challenger, and would put him in the top half of the entire league on his own. Even if you take out penalties - and his tally of 12 isn't insignificant - no one else got within 12 of the Sweden frontman. We can also acknowledge Gyokeres' form for Coventry before moving to Portugal. While the numbers aren't quite as eye-catching - 40 goals in all competitions across two seasons is fewer than in either of his individual campaigns with Sporting - it might offer some reassurances that he's unlikely to have issues settling back in England at the very least. If we want to look at Europe, where the opposition is stronger, you can appreciate why some still have questions. Yes, there was the stunning hat-trick against Manchester City, but that masks what has otherwise been a simply okay season. With six goals in the Champions League, he's the 13th highest scorer - not too shabby for a player in a team not considered one of the pre-tournament favourites. Still, the underlying numbers per 90 minutes are also worth analysing in a competition where players can play an unequal number of games. According to data from FBRef, he sneaks into the top 10 for expected goals per 90 minutes among players with 500 minutes or more, while he's outside that group for non-penalty expected goals. Among those ahead of him in the latter list, as it happens, is none other than Benjamin Sesko. Sesko, like Gyokeres, wasn't playing for a team expected to go too far in the competition. In fact, it ended up being an absolute nightmare campaign for his RB Leipzig team, who lost seven of their eight league phase games The Slovenia frontman has a return of 0.48 non-penalty xG per 90 - just a fraction above Gyokeres and the same as Inter Milan frontman Lautaro Martinez. All three men have scored goals at a better rate than those underlying numbers would suggest, with Martinez showing the most dramatic uptick of the three. It's too early in Sesko's career to predict whether he will consistently be able to outperform those numbers - something he's done with no trouble so far in the Bundesliga. What we do know, though, is he's been able to get good quality chances against decent opposition and managed to put them away at a pretty good rate. Arsenal's links with Sesko grew very loud at the end of the 2023-24 season, where he finished the campaign strongly in Leipzig colours. He has scored fewer goals from more minutes this term, from a slightly lower xG per 90 in the Bundesliga, but has improved his creation to the point that there are signs he could yet replace that aspect of Havertz's game. And therein lies the other big factor: potential. While Gyokeres' late bloomer status suggests he can still deliver for a while, he turns 27 in the summer and there will be questions of how much better he can become. Sesko, in contrast, is five years younger than the alternative and already putting up solid numbers in a top European league. Sure, it might not be the kind of numbers Erling Haaland was posting in the Bundesliga at the same age, but only eight players scored more than him in the competition this year - including Hugo Ekitike, who is being touted for a similar big-money Premier League move. In the end, it may come down to Arsenal's own priorities. If they see the upcoming season as win-or-bust in the league, it's hard to look past the 53 goals Gyokeres scored in all competitions and see it as their best chance of blowing the competition out of the water. Sesko may well feel like the better long-term option, but not only because of his age. There are plenty who have suggested he has a bigger upside than near enough any striker of his age, and there's a reason he had so many admirers even before leaving Red Bull Salzburg for his current club. Trusting potential is always more of a risk, especially when it involves looking at some very big Gyokeres numbers and convincing yourself they're not the be all and end all. Without the riches of their rivals, though, Arsenal have recognised the need to prioritise younger players as their marquee signings. The investment under Mikel Arteta in Arsenal's last couple of seasons has followed a pattern of big money on younger stars and speculative, cheaper moves for those in their late 20s or 30s. It's served them well, too, with Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber showing indications they can form the spine of the team for years to come. If Arsenal regard themselves as having the same needs they did in 2023, Sesko might be the answer. However, it's hard to look at Gyokeres and think "no, this is absolutely the wrong guy for a title push". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Metro
a day ago
- Sport
- Metro
Wesley Sneijder names 'perfect match' for Viktor Gyokeres after Chelsea talks
Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has named Real Madrid as the 'perfect match' for Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Sporting Lisbon star is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after another incredible haul in Portugal this season, ending the campaign with 51 goals in 53 appearances. The expectation is the 26-year-old will leave the Portuguese capital this summer, thought to be available for a fee of around £58million. Arsenal have been the front runners to sign the Sweden international with club officials holding talks with his representatives this week. The Gunners however are also exploring a move for Benjamin Sesko, thought to be Mikel Arteta's preferred target to lead his attack next season. Chelsea have also made an approach and while the Blues are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, a more experienced option up top could also be considered. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Manchester United meanwhile have long-standing interest with Ruben Amorim keen to be reunited with his former Sporting star. Their failure to qualify for the Champions League next season however has damaged their chances of competing for Europe's top talent this summer. While one of the continent's most prolific marksmen, Arsenal and Chelsea's interest in other options has complicated Gyokeres' future. Barcelona have also been credited with interest but former Real star Sneijder has claimed a move to the Santiago Bernabeu could be the perfect solution for both parties. 'You have to pick a team which works for your playing style,' Sneijder told Metro courtesy of BetMGM. 'At the moment, maybe Real [should consider signing him]. If it allows Kylian Mbappe to move back to the left then maybe it's a perfect match.' While Mbappe has operated through the middle for Real in his first season in Spain, the France international is at his devastating best down the left – the role currently occupied by Vinicius Jr. While Real boast one of the most fearsome attacks in Europe, doubts have also emerged over the future of Rodrgyo, with the Brazil international considering his future with Chelsea and Arsenal among those interested in his services. Arsenal It's obvious why a move to the Emirates Stadium might appeal to Gyokeres. Arsenal look set for a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League and they have come so close to winning the title without an out-and-out striker. Gyokeres would be an immediate upgrade on Mikel Arteta's current options, which include ex-Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, the injured Gabriel Jesus and makeshift striker (at least since Arsenal's injury crisis) Mikel Merino. More than just a goalscorer – as 12 assists so far this season shows – Gyokeres would also thrive in an Arsenal team that requires more from their forwards than just a poacher. Players speak glowingly of Arteta and Arsenal would be a stable environment for Gyokeres to continue his development and perhaps be the difference for a team who have aspirations of winning trophies on the regular over the next few years. Manchester United Old Trafford was immediately tipped as Gyokeres' future destination when Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag. Gyokeres' incredible first season came under Amorim and the ex-Sporting boss looks set to welcome a new striker to the club this summer after being left underwhelmed by expensive but struggling signings Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. The chance to reunite with Amorim will be tempting for Gyokeres, who would also be joining one of the biggest clubs in the world despite their recent struggles. The problem, of course, is Manchester United – deep in the bottom-half of the Premier League – will be without Champions League football next season. Louis Sealey | Deputy Sports Editor, Metro While his next destination may not be decided yet, Gyokeres is expected to leave Sporting this summer to take on a new challenge. He will be expected to maintain his prolific record in front of goal wherever he lands, but Sneijder has warned the Swede will inevitably face a difficult period where he might initially struggle to win over his new fans. More Trending 'The position of a striker, it is really important for the team. In the first month when you don't score, they start arguing, the press will be against you, the fans will be against you because they know you can score a lot of goals and that is what they expect from you. 'So it is a difficult one, deciding what is best for him. He is in position to make a transfer he has to make the right choice.' Wesley Sneijder was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win over £27m today with MGM Millions. BeGambleAware 18+ MORE: Emmanuel Petit fears £30million transfer target won't break Chelsea 'curse' MORE: Paul Ince questions 'pathetic' Man Utd under Ruben Amorim: 'Jury is still out' MORE: Chelsea issue ultimatum to Jadon Sancho over £25m transfer from Manchester United
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres sent transfer message as his manager defies golden rule
The stars are aligning for Sporting CP hitman Viktor Gyokeres to complete a big move this summer, and his current coach has gone against his own rule while discussing the striker's prospects Few forwards are in as high demand as Viktor Gyokeres this summer, and Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is all too aware of that fact. But the surge of interest in his team's top talisman means he's ready to break his usual habit of advising the player on his transfer. Among the interested parties are Premier League heavyweights like Arsenal and Manchester United. Correio da Manha reported the Gunners flew a contingent to Portugal for talks with the player's agent this week, while a move to Old Trafford would see Gyokeres reunite with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim. Tomasson has admitted he usually likes to give players input on where to move, whether that be to benefit them in terms of playing time or stylistically. But the media circus that's erupted around Gyokeres has convinced him to remain out of the equation, at least in public. The former Blackburn boss, who took charge of Sweden's national team in 2024, has more of an inside scoop on the matter than most. But the 48-year-old was unwilling when asked if he would divulge whether he has a preference in where Gyokeres moves. "No, of course not," he said while speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet from the national team's training ground. "Because then it would be blown up like this [stretches arms]." Like most national team coaches, Tomasson said he prefers to select players who are getting regular minutes for their respective clubs. He added that he regularly speaks to his players about "what would be a good and bad club," but it appears an exception will be made in Gyokeres' case, unless he reaches out for advice. "There are definitely players changing clubs! We know that each year," he continued. "If you look at each player, you need to make the right choice. "You actually don't know if it's the right choice before you're at the club. You have family as well you have to have in mind. It's not easy, but at the end of the day, that's [football]." Gyokeres, who turns 27 on Wednesday, is arguably the form frontman in Europe after scoring 97 goals in 102 outings for Sporting. And those in his inner circle have been unabashed in admitting they want him to remain in Lisbon. The player's uncle, Chris, revealed his nephew's summer prospects were a hot topic of discussion at a recent family dinner. And he left no doubt as to where he'd like to see the former Coventry talent end up next season. "Yes, very much," he told when asked if he and the family felt connected to Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay." It was during the recent celebrations at the Taca de Portugal final that Gyokeres' girlfriend also gave her take on the situation. And actress Ines Aguiar was quoted saying she "promised" to do her utmost to convince him to stay at Sporting for a third campaign.
