“He want to join Arsenal as soon as possible” – Manager says his £86m star is being distracted by Arsenal interest in him
Arsenal have been linked with Swedish international Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks.
Ben Jacobs, for example, recently told CaughtOffside that the Gunners are “one to watch” when it comes to chasing the 2024 Sporting Lisbon ace.
Now, Gyokeres’ manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that Arsenal’s interest in his player may be distracting the striker.
Gyokeres scored his 10th goal in the Primeira Liga and 17th in all competitions as Sporting beat Porto 2-0 on Monday night.
After the game, Amorim commented on the reports linking Arsenal and Chelsea with the 25-year-old striker.
“I think he has improved the team, the fans love him very much,” he was quoted as saying by A Bola.
“We must also look at the other side: today there are rumors that Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in him.
“He was in England, right next to them, in the championship. Sporting improved Gyokeres, and Gyokeres improved Sporting, he brought a new energy.
“[Interest from other clubs] It affects all players, sometimes I feel it with Inácio, I feel it with other players and Victor is no exception.”
Viktor Gyokeres, who scores from free-kicks, would be a good choice for Arsenal –
OUR View
Arsenal can definitely bring a proven goal scorer to the Emirates Stadium in 2024.
Gabriel Jesus is of course a world class player, but he is not the most prolific scorer.
Eddie Nketiah is a good backup but hasn’t really established himself in a regular starting role.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, has settled well in the Portuguese capital after his £20 million move from Coventry City.
However, Arsenal – or Chelsea or any other loan acquisition – will not be able to get him for a low price in the near future.
As Gyokeres reportedly has an £86 million clause in his contract (which runs until 2028), Sporting hold almost all the cards in the negotiations.