“Legal battle” Gyokeres representative talks about his messy move to Arsenal

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Just Arsenal News

·31 July 2025

“Legal battle” Gyokeres representative talks about his messy move to Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres’ transfer to Arsenal became a protracted and unexpected saga that took many by surprise, as the Swedish striker battled to secure a move away from Sporting Club. What initially appeared to be a straightforward transfer soon developed into a contentious situation, with both clubs and the player locked in a standoff.

Sporting had anticipated a bidding war for Gyokeres, given the number of top clubs showing interest. However, the forward made it clear that he had no desire to join any other side, insisting on a move to Arsenal alone. This firm stance gave the Gunners a strong position in negotiations but left the Portuguese club frustrated.

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Transfer Tensions Lead to Player Frustration

Sporting Club, unhappy with the lack of competitive offers, attempted to maximise their financial return by holding firm in discussions. Their strategy led to significant delays, and in response, Gyokeres reportedly went on strike to force the move. The situation escalated to the point where Sporting fined him for his actions.

Despite the mounting tension, the club eventually agreed to engage in talks with Arsenal. However, they remained committed to securing the highest possible fee. The delay caused considerable strain for all parties, but ultimately, Gyökeres got his wish and has now joined Arsenal for the remainder of pre-season.

One of the striker’s representatives, Jonathan Chalkias, described the situation candidly. As cited by Mirror Football, he said:

“It was a mess. There was a gentleman’s agreement with the previous sporting director. If Hugo Viana were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done in an hour. Everything was written, we didn’t have time to start a legal battle.”

Gyokeres (arsenal.com)

Arsenal Secure Their Target Despite Turbulent Process

While the process was far from smooth, the most important outcome is that Arsenal have now secured a key signing. Gyökeres’ commitment to joining the Gunners, despite considerable obstacles, reflects his strong desire to be part of Mikel Arteta’s project. The club will now look to integrate him fully and ensure they extract the best from a player who was determined to wear the Arsenal shirt.

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