Viktor Gyokeres has sent a significant signal to Arsenal and Chelsea, hinting that a move away from Sporting Lisbon could still be on the cards before the summer transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old striker has been the subject of intense speculation this summer following a remarkable season where he netted 43 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting. His impressive form has continued into the 2024/25 season. With Gyokeres already scoring six goals and providing three assists in the first four matches.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with Gyokeres as they look to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window shuts on August 30. Gyokeres, along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, is one of the top targets on the market for both clubs.
After scoring a hat-trick in Sporting’s 5-0 victory over Farense on Friday, Gyokeres spoke to Sport TV about his future. His comments suggest that he remains open to a potential move: “We never know what’s going to happen,” Gyokeres said. “It doesn’t just depend on me. We’ll see, but I feel good here. I don’t feel any stress about doing anything else. In football, in the transfer window, it’s normal; there are things we don’t know, and they can happen quickly. But I love being here, there’s no stress.”
Observers view Arsenal as a likely destination for Gyokeres, especially since the club still has funds available for reinforcements. As Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino edges closer to joining Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that the club is actively seeking opportunities to strengthen their squad. “We have to be ready and especially in the last week,” Arteta remarked. “You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons, and we are prepared.”
Regarding his current strikers, Arteta added: “We have some great strikers. Gabriel Jesus is there, and Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have also seen significant use. We fully trust our players. We want to improve, and we will try, but we will do so with the players we already have.”
Chelsea is also in the hunt for a forward after their attempt to sign Samu Omorodion fell through. While Osimhen appears to be the more probable target, Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca has stressed the importance of making the right signing. “If we have a chance to bring in a No. 9 who can help us, we will try,” Maresca said. “But if we are signing for the sake of signing, it’s better that we don’t sign any more players. We need players who can help us improve; otherwise, we are content with our current squad.”
As the transfer window approaches its final days, Gyokeres’ situation remains one to watch closely. With Arsenal and Chelsea both keenly monitoring the developments.
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