When Arsenal fans welcomed Viktor Gyokeres with open arms at the Emirates before a pre-season match, few could imagine the storm that had brewed behind the scenes to make his move from Sporting Lisbon happen.
While supporters were busy celebrating their club’s latest signing, Gyokeres’ agent had a few choice words to share about the entire ordeal—and he didn’t hold back.
The Transfer That Almost Didn’t Happen
After a stellar season in Portugal, where Gyokeres helped lead Sporting to a league title and racked up an impressive goal tally, the Swedish striker became one of the hottest names on the European transfer market.
Arsenal quickly emerged as the front-runners, but what looked like a done deal on paper turned into a frustratingly slow and messy negotiation.
Although Gyokeres and Arsenal were aligned on personal terms, things hit a snag when Sporting started dragging their feet.
Reports even suggested that Gyokeres skipped the club’s pre-season training camp in an effort to speed things up and push the move forward.
Sporting’s Threats and Arsenal’s Breakthrough
As tensions escalated, Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas wasn’t shy about expressing his dissatisfaction.
He reportedly threatened disciplinary action against Gyokeres, including a fine and the possibility of forcing him to stay until the end of his contract.
Eventually, Arsenal coughed up the £70 million Sporting were holding out for.
The deal finally went through, but not without leaving a sour taste in the mouths of those representing the player.
Agent Blasts Sporting for Making Life Difficult
Gyokeres’ co-agent, Jonathan Chalkias, didn’t mince words once the ink was dry on the contract.
In an interview with WTV, he vented his frustration at Sporting, specifically criticizing the way they handled the negotiations.
According to Chalkias, things would have moved a lot faster if former Sporting director Hugo Viana had still been in charge.
“If Hugo Viana were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done in an hour,” he claimed.
“Everything was written. We just didn’t have the time to start a legal battle.
I don’t understand how a player who scored so many goals and won three trophies didn’t deserve more respect.”
Arsenal Was Always the Goal, Despite Outside Interest
At one point, it looked like other European giants—like Real Madrid and Manchester United—might try to hijack the deal.
But Chalkias insisted that Gyokeres never wavered in his commitment to joining Arsenal.
“They offered him to Real Madrid, and there were talks about Manchester United,” Chalkias said.
“But from day one, Viktor was all-in on Arsenal. He trusted Hasan Cetinkaya’s project completely.
The plan was always to go to a smaller league like Portugal, win some silverware, and then make a move back to the Premier League.”
A Hero’s Welcome at the Emirates
With all the drama finally behind him, Gyokeres was introduced to Arsenal fans ahead of their friendly against Newcastle.
The crowd at the Emirates erupted as he stepped onto the pitch.
Supporters waved Swedish flags and proudly wore shirts with his name and number already printed on the back.
One fan even held up a handmade sign that simply read: “WELCOME GYOKERES,” while many others joined in by mimicking his now-iconic ‘mask’ goal celebration.
Taking on the No 14 Shirt with Pride
Gyokeres is set to wear the famous No 14 shirt this season—an iconic number in Arsenal history once worn by legends like Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It’s a big responsibility, but fans are hopeful that the 27-year-old will live up to the hype and deliver when it matters most.
So, What’s Next?
With the transfer drama firmly in the rear-view mirror, all eyes are now on how Gyokeres will perform in the Premier League.
Can he replicate his goal-scoring magic from Portugal?
Will he live up to the legacy of Arsenal’s legendary No 14s?
One thing is certain: Arsenal fans are ready, and so is Gyokeres.
The stage is set for a new chapter.