Viktor Gyokeres's Agent Drops Bombshell: Real Madrid Made Offer Amid Arsenal Transfer Drama

An agent representing Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyökeres has criticized Sporting CP for showing a lack of "respect" toward the Swedish forward during difficult transfer talks this summer, revealing that the Portuguese club even attempted to offer him to Real Madrid as an alternative.

Throughout most of the 2024–25 campaign, numerous reports suggested there was an informal understanding for Sporting to allow Gyökeres' departure this summer. However, when club president Frederico Varandas denied such an arrangement existed, it led to prolonged and uncomfortable discussions that featured claims of coercion and threats from Gyökeres to go on strike in order to push through his transfer to Arsenal.

The two teams reached a basic agreement structure in July, but then remained deadlocked for another week in the final phase, struggling to finalize the smaller details before Gyökeres was ultimately allowed to complete his move to Arsenal.

Jonathan Chalkias, a member of Gyökeres' management team, has now revealed just how difficult this summer period was for the forward before he secured his transfer to the Emirates.

"Had Hugo Viana still been at Sporting, this transfer would have been completed within an hour," he shared with WTV, expressing regret over the club's sporting director's departure to Manchester City. "All the paperwork was prepared, but we lacked the time to pursue legal action.

"I cannot comprehend how a player who netted so many goals and secured three titles didn't warrant greater respect.

"This business relies on trust between people. The compromises we accepted were likely the decisive factor in completing the transfer. They pitched him to Real Madrid, he generated media attention with Real Madrid and even [Manchester] United, but from the beginning there was a dedication to Arsenal.

"It's disappointing that certain individuals failed to grasp what Viktor desired and what represented his greatest ambition and aspiration. And considering everything he contributed to Sporting, you would anticipate somewhat more respect for his preferred destination—not simply the club offering the highest fee."

Chalkias also described several tense discussions with Gyökeres during the process, acknowledging that the 27-year-old openly displayed his irritation at various points.

"He wasn't always in the best spirits," Chalkias chuckled. "He can become rather moody at times.

"You'd say good morning, and receive just an 'mmm' in response. We've laughed about it on several occasions."