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Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres incident and team-mate's 'cocky' quote tells Arsenal stars a lot
As Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, a dressing-room tale about the Sporting Lisbon and Sweden striker has bobbed to the surface He may be a ferocious goalscorer, but Viktor Gyokeres also has a more light-hearted and playful side to him. The Sporting Lisbon forward could soon be on his way to the Emirates Stadium, as Mirror Football understands Arsenal are confident they will sign him, if they offer the Portuguese giants £60million. Gyokeres, 26, has established himself as one of the planet's best strikers and Mikel Arteta is keen on signing him. After finishing second for a third consecutive campaign, a new striker is at the top of the Gunners' wishlist. The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion forward's eye-popping goal-scoring statistics, domestically and in Europe, have made him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. But while his prowess in front of goal needs no introduction, the Swede is also known for being a funny character in the dressing room. His mischievous nature was highlighted by a prank he played on fellow countryman and goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. After netting twice against Johansson, who was then playing for Rotherham, during his time at Coventry City, Gyokeres decided to send a humorous Christmas gift to his international teammate. Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Gyokeres said: "He (Johansson) received a Christmas present after the goal. He got a picture of me scoring the goal, and I signed it and framed it. "It was his Christmas present. Yes, it's true, but he has teased me before when I haven't scored. So it was nice now when I scored the goals." After describing the forward's prank as a "cocky" gesture, Johansson took the prank in stride, admitting to enjoying the banter. He said: "Yes, he was. But I like that. I'll give it back later." The centre-forward failed to score against Arsenal in the Champions League this year, so he wouldn't be able to repeat his gift for David Raya if signed by Arteta. Yet, his prank indicates that signing Gyokeres would bring not just a fearsome striker to Arsenal but also an entertaining and humorous personality. Gyokeres has been in sensational form this season, with a staggering tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting. His dramatic penalty in the Taca de Portugal final, which was scored in the 11th minute of injury time, levelled the contest against Benfica, before his side scored two more goals to secure a successful double winning campaign. Post-match, when quizzed about his future, Gyokeres remained coy, telling journalists: "Let us see. "It's hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what's going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible." On the topic of a potential move to Arsenal, he said: "I don't know, I just focus on this. I've tried to focus on the last games because it's so important. "I don't want to think about anything else. So yeah, if anything is true, let's see in the summer." 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 our Privacy Notice.


The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tottenham consider Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, 36, to replace Ange Postecoglou with Fabio Paratici return imminent
FABIO PARATICI'S return to Tottenham is set to be confirmed as the Italian looks to line up Ange Postecoglou's successor. Spurs boss Postecoglou is expected to leave the club this summer regardless of whether he wins Wednesday's 3 Francesco Farioli has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Tottenham Credit: Getty 3 Ange Postecoglou is expected to leave even if Spurs win the Europa League Credit: PA 3 Fabio Paratici is set to return as Tottenham's Director of Football over the summer Credit: PA Italian Paratici, 52, was Spurs' managing director of football between 2021-23. But he was forced to resign in April 2023 after being That suspension ends at the end of next month, freeing him up to come back to his role at Spurs. Paratici will have an influence on who Tottenham go for next in the dugout provided there is no emotional U-turn on Postecoglou if he is triumphant in Europe. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL That is not expected to happen given the team's disastrous league campaign. Spurs have racked up a record 21 defeats and are languishing in 17th place. Paratici is understood to have close ties to But the Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Paratici is also tight with NOT to favour a move abroad. One Italian who is in the frame is Francesco Farioli. How Europa League final will be decided - four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles Last weekend Farioli saw his The 36-year-old is a former disciple of ex-Brighton boss He is highly-regarded for his work on a shoestring budget at Nice and returning Ajax to the Champions League. Fulham gaffer Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner remain on Spurs' list of candidates.


Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal ‘get green light to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer from Sporting for just £60m as contract details emerge'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL are set to make Viktor Gyokeres one of their highest earners - and could land him for just £60million. The Gunners are among a host of Europe's elite chasing the prolific Swede striker. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Viktor Gyokeres is high on Arsenal's summer wishlist Credit: EPA 2 The Swedish striker has scored goals for fun in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023 Credit: EPA Gyokeres, 26, has scored 95 goals in 100 games since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City. The forward cost the Portuguese club £16.8m in the summer of 2023. And reports suggest Sporting have already agreed a price with Arsenal for one of their top targets. New sporting director Andrea Berta has placed Gyokeres high on his wishlist as the Gunners look to overhaul their attack. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL WATCH THIS SPACE Ex-Arsenal wonderkid and nephew of Red Dwarf star left unemployed aged 24 The Mirror report that there is already an agreement in place on price between the two clubs. The £60m fee represents a lower figure than the £85m release clause included in the forward's contract. But that price tag "could go higher" if clubs pile in for a bidding war in the summer, with Manchester United among those tracking Gyokeres. The 26-year-old will also command a hefty wage, with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7million-a-year. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He is expected to be offered a deal north of £200,000-a-week, putting him among the top earners at the Emirates. Arsenal are also keen on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, 22. Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comeback However, reports suggest the club has "reservations" about that deal and considers Gyokeres its top target. Gyokeres ended April in stunning form, netting EIGHT times in just three games against Moreirense, Rio Ave and Boavista. The ex-Brighton striker was recently asked about the possibility of a switch to the capital. Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL'S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris. The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved. Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley. Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot. But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net. With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy. But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar. PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan. Here's how SunSport's Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris. But he remained tight-lipped on his future with Sporting going into a last-day shootout for the title with rivals Benfica on Saturday. Asked after the win over Moreirense if he liked London, Gyokeres replied with a smile: "I like Lisbon!" He added: "No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment."


The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal ‘get green light to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer from Sporting for just £60m as contract details emerge'
ARSENAL are set to make Viktor Gyokeres one of their highest earners - and could land him for just £60million. The Gunners are among a host of Europe's elite Advertisement 2 Viktor Gyokeres is high on Arsenal's summer wishlist Credit: EPA 2 The Swedish striker has scored goals for fun in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023 Credit: EPA The forward cost the Portuguese club £16.8m in the summer of 2023. And reports suggest Sporting have already agreed a price with New sporting director Andrea Berta has placed Gyokeres Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL The £60m fee represents a lower figure than the But that price tag "could go higher" if clubs pile in for a bidding war in the summer, with The 26-year-old will also command a hefty wage, with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7million-a-year. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Latest BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He is expected to be offered a deal north of £200,000-a-week, putting him among the top earners at the Emirates. Arsenal are also keen on RB Leipzig star Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comeback However, reports suggest Advertisement Gyokeres ended April in stunning form, netting EIGHT times in just three games against Moreirense, Rio Ave and Boavista. The ex-Brighton striker was recently asked about the possibility of a switch to the capital. Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL'S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris. The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved. Despite early pressure, But With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy. But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar. PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Here's how But he remained tight-lipped on his future with Sporting going into a last-day shootout for the title with rivals Benfica on Saturday. Asked after the win over Moreirense if he liked London, Gyokeres replied with a smile: "I like Lisbon!" Advertisement He added: "No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment."


Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Two Premier League clubs ‘lining up shock Mason Greenwood transfer' with ex-Man Utd star pining for a return to England
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO Premier League clubs are lining up a shock transfer for Mason Greenwood, according to reports. SunSport revealed last week that the former Manchester United striker is pining for a return to England. 4 Mason Greenwood is a target for two Premier League clubs as he looks to return to England Credit: Getty Greenwood, 23, left his boyhood club United last summer to sign for Marseille for £26.6million. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal in southern France. But after just one season, Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters. And according to The Telegraph, at least a pair of unnamed Premier League clubs are exploring the possibility of making an approach to sign Greenwood. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD HOME COMFORTS Greenwood puts Prem on red alert with striker desperate to return to England Serie A or LaLiga could also be the next destination should he leave Marseille, while the Saudi Pro League may be an option, too, if one of the leading clubs can create a space in the squad. Greenwood spent the 2023-24 season on loan in Spain with Getafe, scoring ten goals in 36 games. This term at Marseille, he has delivered 20 goals in 35 games across all competitions, including the crucial late winner at Le Havre on Saturday night. According to Opta stats, that ranks him as Europe's fifth most effective player and only narrowly behind Cole Palmer. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But fans, who protested his arrival last summer, as well as manager Roberto De Zerbi have made their feelings known about his perceived lack of work rate. He was dropped by the ex-Brighton boss in March because he "expects more from him". Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to Jamaica 4 And a banner telling him to "get a move on" and leave the club was unfurled at some matches. Now he is keen to explore his options back in England, for whom he earned one senior cap before switching international allegiance to Jamaica. A source told SunSport: "When Mason first left United, he loved Spain. 'He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives. 'He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus. 'He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France." 4 Roberto De Zerbi dropped Greenwood in March over his lack of effort Credit: Getty