It’s that time of year again — the transfer window is heating up, and Arsenal is right in the thick of it.
This time, all eyes are on Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker lighting up Portugal.
But his potential move to the Premier League isn’t just about stats and form — it’s tangled in a much deeper controversy involving accusations of blackmail and a major fallout with his current club, Sporting Lisbon.
The Rumor Mill Kicks Off in London
Reports from Portugal suggest Arsenal is getting ready to make a formal offer for Gyokeres, who’s been on their radar for a while.
His agent is believed to already be in London, likely laying the groundwork for what could be a blockbuster deal.
Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new striker this summer and had reportedly set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
However, with Gyokeres’ situation spiraling in Lisbon, the North London club may be shifting focus quickly.
What Triggered the Fallout with Sporting?
At the center of this transfer storm is a dispute between Gyokeres and Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
Portuguese outlets claim the striker is furious that the club didn’t honor what he believed was a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for €80 million — well below his official €100 million release clause.
In a fiery public response, Varandas rejected the claims, alleging that “threats, blackmail, and insults” were being used to pressure the club.
He also insisted that no cut-price deal was ever promised.
Has Gyokeres Already Checked Out?
Fueling the speculation even more, Gyokeres has scrubbed his Instagram of all things Sporting — and even removed references to Sweden and Nike.
It’s a move fans often interpret as a digital goodbye, or at the very least, a serious statement of discontent.
Despite having three years left on his current contract, the 27-year-old forward appears determined to leave.
He’s coming off a phenomenal season — 39 goals from just 31 league starts — and after winning a domestic double, he might feel there’s little left to prove in Portugal.
Arsenal and United Now in the Picture
With things rapidly unraveling at Sporting, the race for Gyokeres is wide open.
Manchester United have reportedly stayed in touch with the striker’s camp, even as their financial outlook took a hit after missing out on European competition next season.
United’s interest is rooted in familiarity — Gyokeres played under current Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, and that past relationship may work in their favor.
But Arsenal seems to be pushing harder right now, especially with the striker’s agent already working behind the scenes in London.
Sporting President Slams Agent’s Tactics
On Wednesday, Varandas doubled down, declaring that Gyokeres would not leave Lisbon for anything less than his full value.
He ruled out any deal involving €60m plus €10m in add-ons, saying, “This game the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”
He acknowledged there had been discussions about a deal not requiring the full release clause but insisted no specific lower fee was ever agreed upon.
Silence from Sporting’s Dugout
Even Sporting manager Rui Borges, when asked about Gyokeres during a public appearance this week, avoided the topic completely.
“Sporting’s future begins on July 1st,” was all he would say, brushing off any attempts to dig deeper while attending a tribute event during his vacation.
Big Price Tag, Big Stakes
Whether it’s Arsenal or Manchester United that ultimately pulls the trigger, Gyokeres won’t come cheap.
He’s expected to fetch a fee north of £70 million — similar to valuations of other big-name strikers like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
But in today’s inflated transfer market, that might be the going rate for a proven goal machine.
And for a club like Arsenal, looking to seriously contend at the top, it could be a price worth paying.