Gyokeres Keen on Arsenal as Man Utd Hijack €73m Transfer Bid

Viktor Gyokeres is keen to join Arsenal as negotiations continue between Arsenal and Sporting (Image: Getty Images)

The Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga continues to rumble on, with Manchester United even supposedly trying their luck to hijack a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners have been locked in negotiations with the Portuguese side for some time and were hopeful of striking a deal before their pre-season tour to Singapore. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has maintained a firm stance on what he wants to receive for the Swede.

Sporting reportedly wants the add-ons to be almost certain, whereas Arsenal would prefer more demanding conditions to be fulfilled.

Absent from Sporting 's pre-season training, Gyokeres continues to await a decision on his future outside of Portugal having recently been spotted in Mallorca.

"Gyokeres and his agent Hasan Cetinkaya were on Sunday on a beach in Mallorca, Spain, where the Swedish striker seemed calm about the movements in the transfer market," Correio da Manha wrote .

"He was also calm about Sporting's message after missing the start of pre-season. The turbulent times, with the uncertainty surrounding his future, don't seem to worry Gyokeres. The agent reportedly went to Spain to explain to the player the reasons for the impasse in the transfer to Arsenal and, at the same time, inform him of Manchester United's offer."

On his absence at Sporting, the newspaper added: "The club regulations state that action can be taken on the fifth day of absence or after ten non-consecutive absences. Correio da Manha understands that the Lions are carefully analyzing the situation. Meanwhile, a process is underway to determine the amount of the fine to be imposed, which will be calculated as a percentage of the player's salary.

"For now, those at Alvalade believe the transfer is inevitable, but insist it must proceed according to the terms set by Frederico Varandas."

"On Sunday, the club coached by Ruben Amorim, began negotiations with Sporting for the transfer of Gyokeres , as we understand for values higher than those being agreed with Arsenal (€63million fixed, plus €10 for objectives)," penned Record .

"From what we've been able to gather, the agreement between the Lions and the Reds was very close — they were proposing a deal worth €80m. However, it seems unlikely that this aligns with the Swedish international's intentions, as he remains firm about his future. He only wants to wear the Gunners' shirt in the next step of his professional career.

"I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet," Arteta told reporters from the National Stadium in Singapore as he previewed the AC Milan game. " When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that."

During Sporting's friendly with Celtic last week, fans displayed two messages that may have been aimed at the Swedish striker.

One read: "No one is above the interests of the club, whoever they may be! Focused on winning the league for a third consecutive year!!!"

The other said: "I don't cry for those who leave - I'm happy for those who are here!"

Sporting have began talks with Almeria over Luis Suarez. The Colombia international has been the identified target to replace Gyokeres.

Record also noted: "Despite the delay in Gyokeres' transfer, the Greens and Whites are not wasting time. While keeping the Swede's situation on standby, they’ve rushed into talks with the Rojiblancos over last season’s top scorer in Spain's second division - a player under contract with the Andalusians until June 2029 and protected by a €40m release clause."