Romano Exclusive: Arsenal and Man Utd Update as Gyokeres Situation 'Changes'

The battle for the future of Arsenal and Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres continues... and it’s not over at all, at this stage of the summer transfer window.

But what’s really going on and why? Sporting president Federico Varandas has announced once again that he’s not intending to accept a gentlemen's agreement made with Gyokeres’ agents in the summer of 2024, to let the player leave for €60m fixed fee plus €10m add-ons. The position is very clear and strong on that.

Viktor Gyokeres Situation 'Changes'

Arsenal and Man United are both keen on the striker

But why this change? Sources guarantee that the pact was made between the agents and the former director Hugo Viana, who then left the club to become the new Manchester City director. Now, the Sporting president doesn’t want to accept those conditions anymore.

Sporting guarantee they won’t ask for the entire release clause worth €100m, but €60m plus add-ons won’t be enough to get the striker.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Coventry City received a club-record eight-figure fee when they sold Viktor Gyokeres to Sporting Lisbon in 2023.

Sources close to the player have also reacted in a strong way: Gyokeres has no intention of showing up for training anymore, he doesn’t want to play for Sporting again and he feels betrayed by the club.

Gyokeres Still Wants to Join Arsenal

He hasn't rejected Manchester United

It’s a very tense situation, which is going to impact the future of the striker. Yes, because two weeks ago Gyokeres’ camp sent a clear message to Manchester United: Gyokeres is giving priority to a move to Arsenal also because of Champions League football, but it’s important to clarify that he never rejected Man United or turned down their approaches.

His desire would be Arsenal, but the Gunners are waiting to understand the final price for Gyokeres as it will dictate the decision on the striker’s future.

They are also in conversations for Benjamin Sesko, with pricing discussions also ongoing with Red Bull Leipzig. This is why the case is taking some time and the ongoing Sporting-Gyokeres battle is not helping things to accelerate.

Manchester United keep following the situation from “outside”, while Arsenal are in direct contact to understand developments. More clubs are also attentive, but no other proposals have arrived on the table so far. They’re all waiting for the final price: €60m as agreed one year ago, or in excess of €80m?

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All statistics according to Sofascore and Transfermarkt - correct as of 01-07-25.

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