Juventus Enter Gyokeres Race
Juventus have surged into the race for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, offering the 27-year-old Swedish striker a €13m (£11m) annual contract, equating to £212,000 weekly, per Corriere dello Sport. The Serie A giants aim to capitalize on Arsenal’s decision to “freeze” talks after Sporting rejected their £47m plus £8.5m add-ons bid (€65m), demanding over €70m (£60m). Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, remain keen, but Gyokeres’ desire for Champions League football complicates their pursuit, given their 15th-place Premier League finish in 2024/25.
Sporting’s Stance and Gyokeres’ Frustration
Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 games in 2024/25, is “furious” with Sporting for raising their valuation beyond a verbal €70m agreement, per Record. Sporting now seek €80m (£68m), below his €100m release clause, but Juventus are confident of securing a deal for €70m-€80m, planning an offer soon. The transfer hinges on Juventus selling Dusan Vlahovic for €25-30m (£21-26m) to fund the move, with interest from AC Milan and Fenerbahçe. Sporting’s firm stance follows Gyokeres’ Primeira Liga title, Portuguese Cup, and Player of the Year honors.
Arsenal and United’s Challenges
Arsenal, after prioritizing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and securing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, paused Gyokeres talks due to Sporting’s demands, per Portuguese media. Sporting director Andrea Berta’s negotiations stalled, prompting a shift to other forwards like Alexander Isak, though his €150m price deterred interest. United, having signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m, face financial hurdles without Champions League revenue, per Amorim’s comments to Sky Sports. Gyokeres’ preference for Arsenal’s Champions League football contrasts with United’s rebuilding under Amorim, who coached him to 29 goals in 2023/24.
What’s Next?
Juventus’ €70m bid, expected within days, could preempt United’s planned offer, though Arsenal may re-enter if Sesko talks falter. Gyokeres, with 1.04 goals per game and 7.2 shots per 90, suits Arsenal’s possession-based style and United’s counter-attacking setup, per his Coventry and Sporting stats. His move depends on Vlahovic’s sale and Sporting’s willingness to compromise. Fans on X are split, with @JuventusFC praising the bold move, while @MUFCBuzz lament United’s financial constraints. The Club World Cup, starting June 14, 2025, adds urgency, with Gyokeres’ decision pivotal for all three clubs’ 2025/26 plans.
