Arsenal and Man United Receive Clear Viktor Gyokeres Transfer Signal as Club Chief Hints at 'Strong Possibility' of Move
Frederico Varandas, the president of Sporting CP, has once more openly discussed the ongoing "transfer saga" involving his key striker Viktor Gyökeres, stating his belief that the player will depart during the upcoming summer window.
Varandas referenced alleged transfer activities by Arsenal and Manchester United to support his position regarding Gyökeres's valuation. This marks the most significant public indication to date that these two Premier League clubs are in direct competition for the Swedish goal scorer.
"Sporting remains composed regarding Gyökeres," Varandas told A BOLA. "There's no obligation for us to sell him. Just as we're not forced to part with him, we remain understanding of Viktor's aspirations."
The striker's three-year deal with Sporting allegedly contains a release clause valued at €100 million (£85.3 million, $117.1 million). Previous speculation suggested a lower figure of €70 million (£59.7 million, $82 million) might be acceptable, but Varandas firmly dismissed these claims earlier this month. The 27-year-old reportedly reacted angrily to this decisive stance, though the club president indicated he would maintain "reasonable" expectations.
However, what defines a reasonable price? Varandas adopted an unusual strategy by referencing recent transactions allegedly completed by Arsenal and United to establish general market benchmarks without disclosing a specific figure.
"If you were to ask me now, there's a significant chance Viktor will move on," the candid Sporting president acknowledged. "Over recent weeks, we've been monitoring the market. I observed a player like [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months Viktor's junior, transfer to Arsenal for €65 million [£55.5 million, $76.1 million]. I witnessed two Premier League players being transferred—Matheus Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo—forwards who, in my view, lack Viktor's caliber, yet commanded fees around €75 million [£64 million, $87.8 million].
"These are 26-year-old players we're discussing. Therefore, considering our valuation expectations for Viktor, I believe his departure is possible, unless his representation is exceptionally poor. Which seems unlikely, given he ranks among the world's finest footballers."
Zubimendi hasn't officially departed Real Sociedad yet—and plays as a defensive midfielder rather than a striker like Gyökeres—while Mbeumo's potential United transfer has hit obstacles after Brentford turned down their most recent offer totaling £62.5 million ($85.8 million).
With Gyökeres negotiations struggling to gain momentum, speculation has emerged about the striker potentially going on strike to force his exit. Such drastic measures don't concern Varandas. "I've spent two decades in football and weathered numerous transfer sagas," the president reflected. "The transfer window's closure remedies all ailments. Unhappy players aren't our concern. Viktor remaining wouldn't trouble us—it would trouble our rivals."