Viktor Gyokeres’s transfer saga has taken another twist as reports suggest the Swedish striker prefers a move to Arsenal over Juventus.
Juventus have been directly informed by Gyokeres’s representatives that the Sporting CP striker wants to join the Premier League side. This comes despite a stronger financial offer from the Italian giants.
Juventus had reportedly offered €60 million up front, with an additional €10 million in bonuses surpassing Arsenal’s €55 million plus €10 million proposal. However, Gyokeres seems determined to move to North London.
The 27-year-old forward had an exceptional season with Sporting, scoring 54 goals across all competitions and leading them to a league and cup double.
With his contract running until 2028, Sporting are in a strong position, yet tensions have reportedly emerged between the club and the player.
Although Sporting’s Hugo Viana is said to have assured the player that a €60–70 million offer would be enough to secure his release, club president Frederico Varandas is now demanding closer to €80 million. Arsenal’s latest bid has already been rejected.
Further complicating matters, a clause in Gyokeres’s contract entitles his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, to 10% of any rejected bid exceeding €60 million.
Sporting are reportedly threatening to enforce this clause fully, adding pressure to ongoing negotiations.
Juventus, currently looking to replace Dušan Vlahović whose contract is running down had made Gyokeres their top priority.
However, with the player firmly expressing a desire to join Arsenal, the Turin club is now expected to look at alternative targets.
Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry City for €20 million plus add-ons and has quickly become one of Europe’s most talked-about strikers.
Arsenal will need to increase their offer if they want to finalize the deal, but their position as the player’s preferred destination could give them the edge.
