Gyokeres 'to go on strike' to force preferred transfer after Sporting agreement

Viktor Gyokeres has been left frustrated by current club Sporting CP as he looks to depart amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United as clubs around Europe eye the forward

Viktor Gyokeres has threatened to go on strike after Sporting CP reneged on a gentleman's agreement over a transfer for the Swedish striker. Gyokeres is said to have informed the Portuguese club's hierarchy as much after they increased their transfer fee demands.

The 27-year-old sharpshooter helped Sporting to a league and cup double after scoring 54 goals in 52 appearances in 2024/25. Gyokeres has developed an impressive reputation after moving to Lisbon from Coventry City.

Reports in Portugal claim that Gyokeres has been left furious having already insisted he would depart the club this summer and will not play for the side again. Player and club had an agreement that Gyokeres would be allowed to leave for significantly less than his release clause.

It appears Sporting have honoured that but they are now demanding more than the £50million plus £8.4m in add-ons Gyokeres expected. Record report the club have instead demanded £67m.

The ex-Brighton ace has already turned down the prospect of a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal saw a £55m offer rejected but Gyokeres has rebuffed an annual salary of £30m as he wants to continue to compete in Europe.

Manchester United and Arsenal are among the sides linked with making a move for Gyokeres. The Gunners are the star forward's preference if he gets his pick of teams this summer.

Sporting believe that Gyokeres' inclination would be to pick Arsenal and the Premier League over interest from Spain and Italy. A move to United meanwhile would see a reunion with Ruben Amorim with the Red Devils intent on bolstering their forward line having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

The Gunners' focus appears to be on getting a deal for Benjamin Sesko over the line over Gyokeres however. RB Leipzig director Marcel Schafer has already held discussions with Arsenal chief Andrea Berta over a move and talks are now beginning to gather pace.

Gyokeres has been tight-lipped publicly on his plans. Asked about his future after Sporting’s final game of the season, he said: “Let's see.

"It’s hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what’s going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible.”

Gyokeres has already removed all reference to Sporting from his Instagram bio. Though, he has also taken down mention of Sweden's national team and his sponsor, Nike.