European Giant Swoops In for Gyokeres as Arsenal and Man Utd Hesitate
Juventus reportedly now holds the advantage in the pursuit of Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres after both Arsenal and Manchester United have reduced their interest in the Swedish striker.
As one of the most sought-after attackers heading into the upcoming transfer window, the narrative surrounding Gyökeres has become increasingly complicated in recent times. Reports surfaced last week indicating the 27-year-old was "extremely upset" by Sporting's supposed failure to honor an informal agreement to accept a transfer fee below his €100 million (£85.1 million, $115.4 million) release clause.
Subsequently, the club's president Frederico Varandas publicly claimed Gyökeres's representative was engaging in "blackmail" while denying any formal agreement existed. The forward later stated that much "inaccurate" information was circulating about his future, promising to clarify matters himself.
In a transfer saga featuring allegedly fabricated agent statements and warnings from Sporting about increasing Gyökeres's valuation, reports suggested the striker had officially eliminated Manchester United as a destination, while Arsenal redirected their attention elsewhere after becoming frustrated with the ongoing situation.
According to Italian news source Corriere dello Sport, this development has created an opportunity for Juventus. The Italian powerhouse is seeking to strengthen their attacking options this summer as they prepare for Dušan Vlahović's departure and see a chance to acquire Gyökeres.
A bid of approximately €70 million (£59.6 million, $80.8 million) is anticipated to be presented shortly, though this may still be insufficient to meet Sporting's demands.
Arsenal has reportedly "suspended" talks regarding Gyökeres due to concerns about his transfer fee. The Gunners are instead considering RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško, while Manchester United appears to be focusing on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké.
Both alternative forwards are expected to command higher fees than Gyökeres, but Šeško and Ekitiké offer the advantage of youth. Both are 22 years old, compared to Gyökeres who recently turned 27.
Further developments regarding Gyökeres's future remain possible, with numerous clubs worldwide seeking to add a prolific striker to their ranks.
Gyökeres is believed to have admirers in Saudi Arabia, while Atlético Madrid has been mentioned as a potential destination. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have also been linked but currently seem to be prioritizing other targets.