Sporting president issues Viktor Gyokeres statement amid 'Arsenal change of heart' and Man Utd contact

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·29 Juni 2025

Sporting president issues Viktor Gyokeres statement amid 'Arsenal change of heart' and Man Utd contact

The transfer saga involving the Sporting striker is showing no signs of being resolved any time soon

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has once again addressed a possible departure for Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

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According to reports in Portugal, the 27-year-old Swede believes he has an agreement with his current employers that allows him to depart the Jose Alvalade Stadium should an offer of €60million plus €10m (£58m) arrive.

That, however, has since been publicly disregarded by Sporting chief Varandas.

Now after seeing both Arsenal and Manchester United - two clubs heavily linked with Gyokeres - already spend big this summer, Varandas has moved to double down on the club’s stance and asking price for Gyokeres.

Taking aim at United’s business in particular, Varandas said: "We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65million.

“I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor's market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75million.

"Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.

"The player knows, the agent knows, and I can guarantee, with absolute certainty, that Viktor will not leave for €60million plus €10million in add-ons.

“It's not about trying to gain something, it's that he simply will not leave for that – absolutely will not."

Latest reports claim Gyokeres has had a change of heart over joining Arsenal this summer, with Man Utd now in pole position to sign the Sporting striker.

The Mirror report that intermediaries have made contact on the player's behalf to inform United of his change of heart and that is ready to move to Old Trafford.