Arsenal and Man Utd on alert as Sporting striker vows never to return | OneFootball

Gyokeres Future Uncertain as Arsenal and Man Utd Monitor Tense Stand-Off

Striker situation escalates in Lisbon

Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting CP has taken a decisive turn, with the Sweden international reportedly refusing to play for the club again. The stand-off follows Sporting president Frederico Varandas’ insistence that the striker will not be allowed to leave for a fee below his €100 million release clause.

Photo: IMAGO

According to Record, Gyokeres feels let down by the club’s leadership, believing they reneged on a verbal agreement to facilitate a move this summer at a lower fee. Sporting’s stance remains firm, with Varandas stating, “I’m not going to say what the price is, the player knows what it is. I can tell you that Viktor won’t leave for €60m plus €10m. He won’t. He just won’t.”

The fallout has intensified interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United, who remain in the market for a striker but have thus far been reluctant to meet Sporting’s full valuation.

Premier League clubs weigh next steps

Arsenal have long considered Gyokeres a top target. Mikel Arteta, working in tandem with new sporting director Andrea Berta, wants to add a reliable No.9 to a squad that fell just short in last season’s title race. Gyokeres’ prolific return at Sporting, with 97 goals in 102 games, has attracted serious attention.

Photo IMAGO

However, Arsenal’s stance is clear. The club are unwilling to trigger the €100 million release clause and will only pursue the deal if Sporting signal flexibility.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have also maintained interest. A potential reunion with Ruben Amorim, should the manager remain a factor in their project, could prove appealing to Gyokeres. But like Arsenal, United are balancing their pursuit against ongoing financial constraints and the need to trim the wage bill before launching a formal bid.

Photo: IMAGO

Player’s position remains firm

Gyokeres’ response to Varandas’ comments has been swift and emphatic. As reported by Fabrizio Romano via Record, the striker “has no intention to come back and play again” for Sporting and has formally informed the club of his stance.

The 27-year-old, reportedly “feeling betrayed and tired,” is pushing for an exit, banking on the hope that Sporting eventually accept a reduced fee to bring the impasse to a close.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re an Arsenal or United supporter, this situation will feel like a classic high-stakes stand-off — one with serious potential upside. Gyokeres has proven pedigree, a clinical edge and the kind of mentality that could energise a Premier League front line.

For Arsenal, the appeal is obvious. Gyokeres offers something different to the current crop — raw physicality, goals and relentless pressing. Arteta’s system is crying out for someone who can do what Gabriel Jesus does, but with greater cutting edge in front of goal.

United fans, meanwhile, may see this as a long-awaited step in the right direction. A powerful striker with technical skill and an eye for goal, reunited with Amorim, could offer far more than the stop-gap solutions of recent seasons. But finances remain an issue. Unless players are moved on, it’s hard to see a quick move.

Ultimately, if Sporting dig in, it could drag out. But if Gyokeres holds his position and Sporting relent, both clubs would be wise to act decisively. This is a potential title-altering transfer, and whoever lands him could change the trajectory of their season.