Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is being targeted by a number of clubs this summer, with the Swedish striker keeping his cards close to his chest regarding a potential move to Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres told former team-mate Leo Ostigard that he cannot say much about a move to Arsenal at present. The Swedish Sporting CP forward has found himself an incredibly sought-after prospect in the summer transfer window thanks to a remarkable Primeira Liga campaign.
After helping his side to a league title and a Taca de Portugal triumph in 2024/25, with 39 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances, the striker has been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid as of late. And Gyokeres failed to rule out a move to north London during a recent FaceTime call with former Coventry team-mate, Ostigard.
In a cameo appearance on the Flymoduspod podcast, Gyokeres was asked by host Bernt Hulsker: "Where are you going in the summer transfer window? Can you give us a hint? Is it Arsenal? What are the alternatives?"
After a brief chuckle, Gyokeres replied: "We will see. Nobody knows anything yet. I wish I had a more fun answer, but that's all I can say for now."
Later in the conversation, as he was saying goodbye to his former team-mate, Ostigard then added with a hint of jest: "Viktor! Great talking to you. See you soon, and text me when everything is signed and sorted down in Arsenal." Gyokeres jokingly replied: "Yeah, yeah sure."
It comes after he was asked by media last month if he liked London during a post-match interview, to which he ignored the question and shared his admiration for the Portuguese capital instead. It's no secret that Arsenal are in dire need of a striker for 2025/26.
Mikel Arteta was forced to utilise midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre forward at times this season after Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined through injury. Should Arsenal have had a prolific goalscorer fit for the majority of the season, the Gunners would likely have mounted a stronger challenge in the race for their first Premier League title in more than two decades.
In reality, the north London side had to settle for second place for the third consecutive year, 10 points behind eventual league champions, Liverpool. Signing Gyokeres will certainly be no easy feat.
As well as having to compete with a number of Premier League and European rivals, it is thought that Sporting will only look to part ways with their talisman for a fee of around £60million. That will come as a major profit to the Primeira Liga champions, who only acquired his services from Coventry for a reported £16.8m back in the summer of 2023.
Meanwhile, Sporting head coach, Rui Borges, has also recently claimed that Gyokeres is content with his current club, telling reporters after a 2-0 win over Vitoria Guimaraes: "He is very happy here. He is very connected to the game, he wants to score and he is obsessed with it."
He added: "He is the best striker in Europe, as the numbers show. He will be attractive, but I believe that if he doesn’t leave Sporting, he will remain very committed to the club. He feels very happy here."
Gyokeres isn't the only striker that Arsenal are thought to be considering at present, however, with RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko also reportedly being monitored by the Gunners' top brass. The Slovenian has proven himself in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.
Once again, however, acquiring Sesko would come at a cost - with reports suggesting that the asking price for the 22-year-old could be as high as £93m, given his age and that he is contracted until 2029. Meanwhile, it is said that Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also in the race for his signature.