Viktor Gyokeres Reveals Backup Plan as Sporting Standoff Threatens Arsenal Move

Arsenal are confident of landing Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres Reveals Backup Plan as Sporting Standoff Threatens Arsenal Move

Abigael Wafula 13:30 - 09.07.2025

With his move to Arsenal in doubt, Viktor Gyokeres is still preparing for an exit from Sporting Lisbon.

Viktor Gyokeres’ hoped-for transfer to Arsenal is reportedly on the rocks, leaving the Swedish striker considering loan options to escape Sporting Lisbon this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres has already made his desire to join the Gunners clear, refusing to play for Sporting again. While Arsenal have been the frontrunners for his signature, talks have stalled.

Sporting director Andrea Berta's trip to Portugal failed to bridge the valuation gap between the clubs, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

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Arsenal are reportedly prepared to walk away from a deal that hinges on compromise. Sources suggest Gyokeres and his representatives are pessimistic about the transfer's completion.

Where Does Viktor Gyokeres Plan to Move

Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres

If the deal collapses, Viktor Gyokeres will seek a loan move to another European club, mirroring Victor Osimhen's temporary switch to Galatasaray last season when his future at Napoli was uncertain.

The Sun has reported that Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce and Juventus are monitoring Gyokeres's situation. Arsenal are keen to bolster their attack and have identified Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres boasts an impressive record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since August 2023. He remains Arsenal’s primary target after cooling their interest in Benjamin Sesko.

Sporting are demanding £60 million upfront with £8 million in add-ons, while personal terms on a five-year deal are reportedly agreed.

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly informed Sporting he will never play for them again and will boycott pre-season training, escalating his push for a move.

He believes Sporting reneged on a ‘gentleman's agreement’ to let him leave for around £60 million this summer, despite his contract running until 2028.

Sporting deny that such an agreement existed and are determined to keep their star player. While Sporting's squad returned to training on Monday, Gyokeres was granted additional time off to resolve his future.