Atletico Madrid have reportedly made Alex Baena and defender Cristian Romero their priorities for the summer transfer window, but in Portugal they have been linked with a surprise move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward, who came second to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race by virtue goal weighting, is set to leave Lisbon this summer.
Even since last summer, there has been interest in Gyokeres, but no-one stumped up the money for the Sweden international. He would end up leading Sporting to the Primeira Liga title ahead of Benfica this season.
Barcelona were supposedly looking at Gyokeres as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, and Director of Football Deco has spoken positively of Gyokeres. Yet he ruled the Blaugrana out, with a number nine not on their agenda this summer.
Despite a release clause in his contract worth €100m, Sporting and Gyokeres have a handshake agreement that he can depart for around €70-75m this summer. It has been widely expected that he would move to the Premier League, with few able to afford that fee. Arsenal, who are looking for a striker, have enquired about his availability.
According to Record in Portugal, as quoted by Diario AS, Atletico Madrid are leading the race for Gyokeres. Their information, and headline story on the front page is that extra money from the Club World Cup and their sponsorship deal with Nike has given them extra funds, and Atletico are moving ahead in talks for Gyokeres.
However, the news has been denied by Diario AS reporter Edu Burgos, who claims that there has been no contact from Atletico with Gyokeres’ camp or Sporting. It could well be a strategy to drive up his price.
The news did come as something of a surprise to those following the club in Spain. With Baena and Romero top of their priority list, it seems likely most of their budget will be allocated towards them. Having just signed Julian Alvarez (€75m plus €15m in variables) and Alexander Sorloth (€33m) last summer, it would be something of a surprise if they spent big in that department again.
Hohkmosty
1
Hohkmosty
0
depkmnpuy
0
lusbloptz
0
lusbloptz
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kandmopty
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wiocdopsy
0
why can't we buy Victor gyokeres and make him the number one target 🙄?
Kataeiknpu
1
Arsenal are only dreaming but nothing.
£mm123
4
arsenal will end up missing out on this guy (gyokeres) due to their slow business tactics. the whole world will heave to know who arsenal want to sign, if nobody hijacked the business then they Will sign him. even the Zubimendi is yet to sign since last month.....
yotakmpt
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let him go,we are tired of gyokerers
woscdipruz
1
Arsenal will win nothing with arteta... More than useless
Lidbeklruy
1
Arsenal is a stubborn team , other competitors will snatch him
jokreal
1
Atletico keh na rumors
Rudaeknou
0
Romero plus money for yokeres come on spurs bit smethng like tht my gosh
Zaubemptuy
3
Betar is trying to become confused like the mindless and eyeless arteta I'm trying to get tired of their stories without actions.
Football143lover
2
Starting with Alvarez and Victor and back up by Sorlorth and Grz7 would be fanatics frontline.
Fodcimnorz
4
the season is over, but still, Arsenal is driving me crazy ..Viktor gyokeres is a good deal but nah am tired
Foeelmprt
3
MR Berta if want to win any cup pay money for those guys cozy don’t forget injuries each number must have two super subs compare Liverpool is having players who can make three teams buy even more don’t forget to NICO William,sesko,victor gyoker