Man Utd and Arsenal risk losing out in drawn-out transfer saga | OneFootball

Gyokeres Saga Deepens as Arsenal and Man Utd Monitor Transfer Stand-Off

Frustration grows as Gyokeres rejects Sporting talks

Viktor Gyokeres has turned down an offer to meet with Sporting Lisbon in a bid to ease rising tensions over his future, as reported by The Mirror. The Swedish forward is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated with what he perceives as Sporting’s reluctance to honour previous promises regarding a summer move.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal remain strongly interested in the striker, having long identified him as a primary target, while Manchester United are also monitoring the situation closely. However, Sporting’s hardline stance on valuation continues to be a significant obstacle. The Portuguese club are yet to receive a formal offer, but are insisting they will not entertain anything less than the full release clause.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas was unequivocal: “One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that.”

The forward, currently on holiday in Saint Tropez, is not expected to return to pre-season training anytime soon. He has also dismissed reports surrounding the saga, saying: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”

Arsenal’s pursuit hits a pause

Arsenal’s initial approach for the player was swiftly rebuffed, and there are now indications they have paused talks to focus efforts elsewhere. A potential deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has moved forward, with an agreement on personal terms reportedly close.

Photo: IMAGO

While Arsenal remain fond of Gyokeres’ profile — his blend of physicality, work rate and output appealing to Mikel Arteta’s system — there is little appetite to get involved in a protracted stand-off. The Gunners are unwilling to be drawn into a situation that could extend throughout the summer and disrupt their broader transfer planning.

Photo IMAGO

Sporting unwilling to be dictated to

Sporting are keen to maintain control over the situation. The club believe they are under no pressure to sell, especially with Gyokeres contracted until 2028. Varandas confirmed that no formal offer was made last season and refuted suggestions of any verbal agreement with the player.

“During the transfer window we realised that Viktor was going to stay at Sporting because we didn’t receive a single offer for him,” he said. “When the season started, the agent approached Hugo Viana several times, asking if we could add an extra fee to the contract if he scored ‘x’ goals.”

Juventus have also expressed serious interest, reportedly offering a package worth £11 million per year to tempt Gyokeres to Serie A. However, no formal bid has yet been accepted, and the Italian giants are expected to face similar pushback on valuation.

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This transfer saga is both familiar and frustrating. For Arsenal supporters, watching their club make an early approach only to stall again, especially after past transfer windows defined by hesitation and drawn-out negotiations, is cause for concern. The interest in Benjamin Sesko is promising, but once more it appears Arsenal are walking away from a deal that many believed would be decisive.

Manchester United fans, meanwhile, are tired of being passive observers in high-profile pursuits. With the club needing a clinical and mobile striker to support their attacking rebuild, the failure to seriously challenge for a player like Gyokeres is a missed opportunity.

The real issue, however, lies in the murky nature of modern transfer dealings. If Gyokeres genuinely feels Sporting have gone back on their word, the discontent is understandable. But for fans, this feels like another summer of agents posturing, clubs posturing harder, and supporters left watching elite players slip through the net.

Both clubs must show clarity and purpose. Otherwise, yet another Premier League forward target could find himself heading to Italy — or nowhere at all — while two of England’s biggest clubs fall behind in the market yet again.