Viktor Gyokeres has been strongly tipped to leave Sporting Lisbon, with Arsenal and Manchester United both in the race to sign the 54-goal striker in the summer transfer window
Arsenal and Manchester United transfer target Viktor Gyokeres has hinted that he could snub the numerous clubs chasing his signature and instead stay at Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres, 27, has been heavily linked with a move to England, where he previously played for Brighton and Championship side Coventry City.
But the in-demand Swedish striker, who scored a sensational 54 goals in 52 games this season, hasn't made a decision on leaving the Portuguese capital, never mind his next move. Mirror Football understands that Sporting would be willing to sell Gyokeres for £60million, with both Arsenal and United looking to sign striker in the summer transfer window.
That's despite his release clause being £84m, having courted interest from across Europe after firing Sporting to the double in 2025. But the 27-year-old loves life in Lisbon, where he feels 'at home'.
"In Swedish culture, people work hard during the week and if they want to do something, they do it on the weekend," Gyokeres revealed to Vogue Scandinavia via Portuguese outlet A Bola.
"Here, people also make the most of the weekdays. They come over with friends on Monday or any other day of the week, have dinner and a glass of wine.
"In Sweden, that's rare. That's the big difference. Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe... I feel at home."
His family also enjoy the city. Uncle Chris said after Sporting beat Benfica to win the Taca de Portugal: "I'm super happy, this is amazing. We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!"
Asked if their family felt a connection to Lisbon, Chris replied: "Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay." On whether the Sweden international will indeed stay, he responded: "Yes, we think so."
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His uncle's comments were later put to Gyokeres, who confirmed: "They really like Portugal; I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere."
Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha recently said that they haven't received any formal offers for Gyokeres, who's just pulled out of international duty through injury. "He has three more years on his contract," Zenha told reporters.
"At the moment there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given. [Sporting's transfer plans] won't be any different from last year. We want to keep the best players and retain talent.