Romano tells Arsenal what they must do to sign Gyokeres

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Oct 2024 14:42 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano insists that clubs must pay Viktor Gyokeres' release clause if they want to sign him in January.

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The Swedish striker continues to impress scouts and supporters alike. After recording more than half a century of goal contributions last season, Gyokeres is already up to 12 goals and three assists in 11 games this term.

The Sporting CP sharpshooter has courted some controversy in recent days due to being filmed smoking a hookah, but this incident is unlikely to have any long-term consequences, making him once more one of Europe's most interesting players.

Over the past year, Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a return to England, with the former Brighton man constantly associated with a move to Arsenal, while Chelsea have also been mentioned as admirers.

The problem clubs faced in the summer is the fact that the 26-year-old has a €100 million release clause, which, by his own admission, is probably a bit too steep. However, that hurdle is unlikely to be overcome anytime soon.

Romano on Gyokeres

At least that is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Sporting have no intention to negotiate for Gyokeres in January. Clubs will have to cough up the €100m or leave the negotiating table.

"Let me say that the position of Sporting is clear," he stated in his latest YouTube video. "In January, they don't have any intention to negotiate the release clause. It's similar to what Benfica thought with Enzo Fernandes when they had Enzo after the [2022] World Cup.

"No chance to negotiate the release clause. Pay that money or nothing. So they are very clear. At Sporting, €100m for Gyokeres or in January, goodbye, because the player is absolutely not considered for sale for €60m, €65m or €70m. This is Sporting's position. Next summer, we will see."