Sporting manager Rui Borges hints at Viktor Gyokeres exit as 'striker agrees Arsenal move' | OneFootball

Portuguese giants do not expect to keep hold of their star striker

Target: Viktor Gyokeres

AFP via Getty Images

Sporting head coach Rui Borges has suggested Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres will be on the move in the near future amid reports the striker has already agreed to join the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal are in need of an elite No9 and Gyokeres is understood to be top of new sporting director Andrea Berta's wishlist for the position. Reports in Portugal over the weekend claimed the striker had given the thumbs up to a summer switch.

The 26-year-old was last week again on target as Sporting beat Rio Ave the cup, scoring his eighth goal in five games, and Borges was almost at a loss for words to describe his player's talents.

"Viktor is a player... I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years," Borges told reporters. "He is clearly above average.

"Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional. I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.

"The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal."

Borges added: "He is the best in the league, clearly. There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates.

"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest. Maybe today he could rest. It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and teammate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."