Sporting issue Viktor Gyokeres message to Arsenal & Man Utd

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Nov 2024 05:58 CST
• 3 min read

Sporting CP assistant manager Tiago Teixeira has warned Arsenal and Manchester United that Viktor Gyokeres is “happy” in Portugal.

The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in 2025, following an immense 12 months in front of goal, and he is expected to leave Sporting next summer.

Arsenal and Man Utd are currently the frontrunners for his signature, although Chelsea have also expressed their interest in Gyokeres and could make a late charge if they miss out on Nigeria star Victor Osimhen.

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The 26-year-old has scored an incredible 32 goals in 24 games for club and country so far this season and he is now arguably the most sought-after player in world football.

Gyokeres is understood to have a €100 million release clause in his current Sporting contract, but reports suggest he could be allowed to leave the reigning Portuguese top flight champions for a fee of around €80m next year.

However, Teixeira has insisted that Sporting want to keep their talismanic forward.

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“We are prepared to welcome him today to train for the first time [since being away on international duty] and we are very happy to have him here,” Teixeira told Portuguese media (as per the Manchester Evening News).

“He is also very happy with the season he is having representing Sporting and his national team. He is very happy to be here. What we want is to have him for as long as possible.”

What has Viktor Gyokeres said?

Despite links with a big-money move to the Premier League, Gyokeres has insisted that his focus remains on Sporting.

“These are rumours, nothing concrete,” he recently admitted. “Of course, I want to finish the season at Sporting. I enjoy my time there. I don't feel stressed about making a change in the future. We'll see when the time comes.

“He [Amorim] probably already has strikers there [Man Utd]. It's very sad that he left [Sporting], but of course, we understand the decision. He meant a lot to me, as he gave me an opportunity and helped me evolve a lot.”