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    Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma

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    ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer.But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits.Arsenal are eyeing Viktor Gyokeres this summerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialGyokeres has won two titles with Sporting in the last two yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHis Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a “lair”, one with “Scandinavian minimalism”, featuring glass walls and a backyard pool.The ground floor’s main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of Gyokeres performing his famous “Bane mask” celebration.He explained: “Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it.“Since then, I’ve always done it when I score … and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I’ve seen it. But it’s a little like, take it how you want it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“If you think it’s Bane, you can think that. If you think it’s something else, that’s fine too.”His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs.Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm “10-15 minutes before I leave” because he values sleep.In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Coventry, he said: “Physicality is a big part of my game. I always need to maintain it and keep getting better.Most read in FootballSwedish football’s pride and glory was on the cover of Vogue this weekGyokeres has pictures of his “Bane mask” celebration in his houseCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body.“I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That’s what I enjoy on a daily basis.”Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKHome from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty.To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: “With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends.“Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine. In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference.”Despite his expectation to leave Portugal for England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: “I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe… it feels like home.”And intent on not giving anything away about his future, he added about the speculation: “That’s just clickbait. Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.”However, he goes on to suggest he has always “dreamed” of “being on the best teams in the world”, even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football.He said: “I didn’t like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn’t know. I was new, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.“It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself.“Of course, when you’re younger – 10, 11, 12 – you’re always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world.“But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don’t really think it through. It’s more of a dream.I didn’t like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn’t know.GyokeresVogueHe added: “Playing football in front of people – it’s just something I’m so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it’s easy.”Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden’s upcoming fixtures against Hungary and Algeria due to a “minor issue”, with many putting two and two together, suspecting it is to do with a future move.But Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed: “I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn’t trained much in recent weeks and has been struggling with a small injury.“I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.”ZUBIMENDI WATCHThere was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current Arsenal midfielder play alongside a future one.In Spain’s dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over France, Mikel Merino lined up next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week.Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6.It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an Arsenal shirt next season.For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Barcelona midfielder Pedri.Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something Declan Rice will love in that role.And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play.He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star Kylian Mbappe on his backside.The Spanish media wrote: “When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that’s when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential.“The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.”But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against France, he would turn and immediately go direct by pinging balls into the wide areas for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter another Arsenal target.You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the England winger loves: early passes to catch opposition full-backs off guard.KEPA OR GARCIA?Among other areas in the squad, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make regarding his No.2.With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – Arsenal are in need of a back-up for David Raya.There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season.However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from Ajax for £1m in July 2024.Unwanted Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been lined with ArsenalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialIt is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future.So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Benjamin Sesko, 21.There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with Barcelona pushing hard to get him.And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Chelsea keeper who reportedly has a release clause of £5m having spent last season on loan at the Cherries.Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet.GABRIEL AND SALIBA’S FEAR FACTORBrazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally signed a new long-term contract until 2029 after links with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k.Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contractIt is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and William Saliba – whose contracts also expire in 2027 – will be next, as well as Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe.Read More on The SunHe said: “I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: ‘you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together’ and things like that, so it’s good to hear.“That’s what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.” More

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      Man Utd identify £70m ex-Premier League star as Bruno Fernandes replacement if captain leaves for Al-Hilal

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      RUBEN AMORIM will make a £70million swoop for Pedro Goncalves – if Bruno Fernandes heads for Saudi Arabia.But Manchester United’s hopes of landing the Sporting Lisbon prize guy could be scuppered if the Portuguese club sell Viktor Gyokeres first.Pedro Gonçalves played under Ruben Amorim at SportingCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes has been linked with a Saudi switchCredit: PAUnited skipper Fernandes has until Friday to tell Al-Hilal if he is up for a move to the Middle East, and the Saudis are ready to pay £100m if they get the thumbs up.And if Fernandes does take the plunge on a three-year deal, the cash-strapped Reds could afford Goncalves – also known as Pote – with money to spare.Manager Amorim would still prefer to keep his captain, and insisted he was confident of doing so after United’s post-season trip to Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.But he is equally aware that a salary of more than £1m a WEEK is hugely tempting for Fernandes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Old Trafford money men know they will hit the jackpot by banking such a fee for a man who turns 31 a month into next season.Goncalves, 26, had two years at Wolves as a teenager, but returned to Portugal without playing a game.Amorim took him to Lisbon from Famalicao six years ago, transforming him into a more attacking midfielder who can also play wide.Goncalves, who hit 23 goals as Sporting ended a 19-year title drought in 2021, missed five months of last season with a ruptured thigh muscle.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut he returned in April and scored in the final day victory over Vitoria which clinched the Portuguese championship again.Goncalves is also on Aston Villa’s wish list, but United believe his relationship with Amorim puts them in pole position.Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star’s futureThe biggest stumbling block could arise if Arsenal or Napoli can seal an early deal for £67m-rated striker Gyokeres, as Sporting would be unwilling to cash in on two of their star men.But the Portuguese side will land a £5m-plus jackpot if Fernandes heads to the Middle East, thanks to a clause giving them ten percent of any profit United make on their skipper.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Arsenal files: Gunners’ huge advantage in Viktor Gyokeres transfer race as myth debunked over £70m Sporting striker

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      THIS summer’s transfer window – opening on June 1 – is just hours away, and in Arsenal’s search for a striker, two names are taking centre stage.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appear to be the Gunners’ top two targets to lead the line for them next season.Viktor Gyokores remains Arsenal’s top target for this summer’s windowCredit: AFPBenjamin Sesko has been tipped for big things by pundits in his native SloveniaCredit: GettyBoth have their merits, both would instantly improve Mikel Arteta’s attacking options and both are expected to cost between £60m and £70m.But, only one is expected to sign on the dotted line in North London over the coming weeks.So, where are Arsenal at in their decision-making?SunSport understands that Gyokeres is slightly favoured right now, for a number of reasons.There is a real belief that a deal for the Swedish international could be pushed through with little complications, given the player’s desire to test himself in one of Europe’s best leagues, as well as at a top team with the ability to seriously challenge in the Champions League.It is understood that there is a gentleman’s agreement between Gyokeres and Sporting to depart the Stadio Jose Alvalade in this window, having garnered lots of interest last summer, despite still having three years left on his current deal.Manchester United were expected to push for his signing with old Sporting boss Ruben Amorim now at the Old Trafford helm.But failing to qualify for the Champions League has severely hampered their spending power.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBarcelona are also in a financially delicate situation, and while Chelsea’s interest in Gyokeres is well documented, they also have eyes on other targets, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha claimed recently the club are yet to receive any offers and will not be strong-armed into selling their best players, but also added: “The market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Gyokeres has been on fire the past two campaigns, scoring a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, while also notching 28 assists.No one in Europe’s top five leagues has more league goals than Gyokeres [39], with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe scoring 31, Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah scoring 29, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scoring 27 and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scoring 26.Arsenal are desperate for whoever they sign to hit the ground running, and view Gyokeres as one of the most in-form strikers currently in the market and available, with a persona and footballing arrogance to match.There is the added bonus of Gyokeres having already played in England, albeit in the Championship with Swansea and Coventry, while he never made a Prem appearance in his four-year stint at Brighton.New sporting director Andrea Berta is also a huge fan of the player, having looked closely at him during his time at Atletico Madrid when the Spaniards were considering a move.It was reported that Berta, alongside co-owner Josh Kroenke, spoke with the Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya while in Lisbon for Arsenal Women’s Champions League final triumph in the Portuguese capital last weekend before flying straight to Southampton for Arsenal Men’s final Prem game of the season, but this is unconfirmed.There are naturally some question marks over Gyokeres, such as if his stunning record out in Portugal would naturally translate to the Prem, and how long he would take to adapt.There is also the lack of sell-on ability with the 26-year-old arguably reaching his prime years. Until now, Arsenal have signed players with that in mind, evidenced by the sell-on clauses fitted in the loan moves for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, 25, and defender Nuno Tavares, 25.As for Sesko, Arsenal came close to signing the Slovenian last summer and in January – the player signing a new contract until 2029 back in June, while Leipzig were unwilling for a key player to depart during the winter window.At 21-years-old, Sesko’s potential for growth is huge, and has shown he can be consistent in a top European league, netting 14 Bundesliga goals in 2023/24 and 13 goals this term.It is worth noting too that his value would only increase after a few years at the Emirates.Sesko already has 41 caps for Slovenia at the age of just 21Credit: GettyHe is young but also incredibly confident, telling SunSport over the summer at the Euros how he thrives under the spotlight and attention of suitors, including those in the Prem.He said: “It’s a good kind of pressure. If you have the opportunity where people can talk about you, it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, there’s something about you… I am happy to be a part of this.”In Slovenia, journalists have spoken of being in awe of his ability, predicting he will develop into the country’s greatest ever player.However, it is this potential that is also a concern – there is an internal debate over how long it would take Sesko to adjust to life in English football. Used to time and space on the ball out in Germany, the physicality and speed could take some getting used to.On the one hand, the presence of Kai Havertz up top could take the pressure off Sesko and the expectancy for an instant impact, but Arsenal cannot afford to pin their hopes on a fresh-faced youngster who may need one or two seasons before hitting the heights.Signing one or the other would certainly give Arsenal’s attack a different edge, but each one provides differing solutions: one that will likely produce right now and one that will likely produce in the future.THE STATSHaving both featured 33 times in their respective league campaigns, putting their numbers side by side make for interesting reading.Both have fine injury records, Gyokeres playing 2,804 minutes this term, averaging 85 minutes per match, while Sesko has played 2,399 minutes and averaged 73 minutes per match.Given Arteta’s struggles to keep the likes of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus fit this season, that can only be a plus.Gyokeres boasts a record of 72 minutes per goal, compared to Sesko’s 185 minutes.Both have exceeded their goal XG. Gyokeres scored 39 goals from an XG of 31, while Sesko scored 13 from an XG of 10.And both can create as well as score, Gyokeres producing seven assists and averaging 16 successful passes per 90, and Sesko five with 15 successful passes per 90, an important aspect of what Arteta looks for in a front man.THE GYOKERES HEADING MYTHSocial media has been awash with claims that Gyokeres – for all his goalscoring abilities – has never scored with his head while at Sporting.This is incorrect. Of the 68 league goals Gyokeres has banged in over the past two seasons, two have been with his head.It is still not a great tally, especially given his height of 6ft2 and general power, but this is likely down to the service.Over the past two league seasons, Sporting have produced 1,322 crosses [including corners], with 362 of them being successful in terms of finding a Sporting player at first ask.In comparison, across Arsenal’s past two league seasons, they have produced 1,442 crosses [including corners] with 363 of them being successful.Sporting are used to dominating possession and pouncing on the counter, meaning Gyokeres has most of his goals with ball at feet as opposed to headers.But under Arteta and against more defensively compact opposition, Arsenal tend to deliver more balls into the box, which would give Gyokeres far more opportunities, in particular from set-pieces – an area the North Londoners have been dominant in across Europe in recent years.JULIAN ALVAREZ?Arsenal legend Thierry Henry revealed this week on the Stick To Football podcast that he would love to see Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez join Arsenal.Henry said: “One of my favourite nines out there is Julian Alvarez. I just like him. Is it possible? I don’t know.”If you look at all the teams recently that have been winning, you look at who’s on the bench, how many times has a guy been coming on to save the season.”It would certainly complement the trend of the past few transfer windows of ex-Manchester City players making the switch after Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling did the same, with varying degrees of success.It is rumoured that Alvarez is eyeing a change of scenery, wanting to play for a team who can compete for league titles and in Europe.Julian Alvarez could be a surprise target for the Gunners – but won’t come cheapCredit: GettyAtletico have struggled on both fronts this term, finishing third in La Liga and 12 points off winners Barcelona while being knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16.His flexibility is also something that is admired by those at Arsenal, able to play down the middle as well as out wide.However, it would be a difficult move to pull off, even with ex-Atletico man Berta now working at Arsenal.Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico from City last summer for £82m, and has a contract that runs until 2030, and the Spanish giants do not need nor want to sell such a valuable asset.It would take a sizable fee to pry him away, funds that Arsenal will likely want to spend on other targets in other positions.Athletic Bilbao’s £50m-valued Nico Williams is still being looked at, as is Espanyol’s £25m-valued keeper Joan Garcia, while £51m has already been splashed on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a medical imminent. More

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      Chelsea ‘ready to hijack Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres transfer pursuit’ hours after winning Uefa Conference League

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      CHELSEA are ready to hijack Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, reports suggest.Arsenal had reportedly submitted a formal offer in the region of £62million to land the Sporting Lisbon ace.Chelsea want to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyHowever, a fresh report from Portuguese outlet Record has claimed London rivals Chelsea have now entered the race to land the Swede.The Blues are said to have submitted a formal enquiry about buying the striker.This has come just hours after the club won the Conference League by beating Real Betis 4-1.Gyokeres, 26, has scored 97 goals and added 28 assists in 102 games for the Sporting since joining from Coventry in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, this season his record of 54 goals in all competitions places him as Europe’s highest goalscorer, with 12 more goals than Kylian Mbappe’s and Robert Lewandowski’s respective tally of 42 each.Chelsea were waiting until after the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland, to trigger their movement in the transfer market.Blues transfer chiefs want to get a deal done quickly for a new ace ahead of the Club World Cup.Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is also in talks, though he is also being pursued by Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChelsea’s tally of 64 goals in the Premier League marked them as the joint seventh highest scorers.Four players made it into double figures for the season, though only Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson managed to break double figures in the league.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightEnzo Maresca’s side are being rivalled in their pursuit of Gyokeres by Italian giants Juventus.Chelsea’s shopping list for a new forward is extensive, however. As well as Gyokeres and Delap, they have been linked with moves for Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Europa League winners Tottenham, have also been offered the chance to sign Leroy Sane for free.In Arsenal’s case, they were the third-highest goalscorers in the top flight last season, but not one player broke double figures for them in the league.The Gunners are expected to finalise a transfer for midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the coming days while they continue pursuing more firepower.Chelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Arsenal ‘launch formal Viktor Gyokeres transfer offer’ with huge signing-on bonus and wages just eclipsing Tierney’s

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      ARSENAL have reportedly tabled a “formal offer” for Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker is high up on Mikel Arteta’s list of attacking targets this summer, which could be his most crucial yet. Arsenal are keen on signing Sweden hitman Viktor GyokeresCredit: GETTYThe Gunners have reportedly submitted a formal offer for Sporting Lisbon’s talismanic strikerCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKAnd the Spaniard has reportedly moved quickly to try to acquire the Sporting Lisbon striker’s services. Correio da Manha claim the north Londoners have tabled an offer in the region of “£62million” for the Sweden international. The Gunners are also said to have sent a contract offer to Gyokeres’ agent after meeting him at the women’s Champions League final last weekend. A five-year deal with an annual salary of £5.8m – which narrowly eclipses that received by outgoing Gunners defender Kieran Tierney – has reportedly been put on the table for Gyokeres. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA massive £10m signing-on bonus is also said to be on the cards for the Swede should he move to the Emirates. Gyokeres, 26, was Sporting’s star man last season, scoring a whopping 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances.His signing would provide Arsenal with some much-needed firepower, a lack of which saw their Premier League and Champions League challenges peter out last season.Arteta plans to splash the cash this summer in what he’s promised will be a “big” transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSViktor Gyokeres scored a whopping 54 goals in 54 appearances last seasonCredit: GETTYHe said: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it. “The way we planned the first five summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres “Because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different. “But now, when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad. “But as well, we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.” More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres’ uncle reveals transfer decision after big family dinner

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES’ uncle reckons his nephew will SNUB Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.The Gyokeres family reportedly “made a decision” around the dinner table before celebrating Sporting Lisbon’s successive league triumph.Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after strikers in EuropeGyokeres’ family held a meeting over his potential transfer to ArsenalGyokeres’ uncle Chris dropped a major bombshell about his nephew’s future on the final day of Liga Portugal.He believes that the sought-after striker will remain at Sporting Lisbon next season.Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey, he said: “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!READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”Yes, we think so. We hope so, because look… We love it, it’s incredible, the country, the people and Sporting. And the Lions.”The Swedish striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following another impressive season.Gyokeres scored 43 goals during his first season in Lisbon and netted a staggering 53 goals in 51 games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is 96 goals in just 101 appearances since joining for £16.8m from Championship side Coventry.Gyokeres was more coy than his uncle when fielding a question about his future after scoring in Sporting’s 2-0 win over Vitoria on the final day.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksThe forward said: “We’ll see. It’s the future. Football is like that, you never know what’s going to happen.”Sporting Lisbon are believed to be open to offers for Gyokeres, who is at the top of both Mikel Arteta and former boss Ruben Amorim’s wish-lists.Arsenal have been in desperate need of a proper No 9 for over a year and Gyokeres, who would cost around £60m, is a cheaper alternative to Arteta’s dream target Alexander Isak.Meanwhile, United are looking for an upgrade on £72m transfer flop Rasmus Hojlund.Gyokeres’ mind may have been changed after United were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday.The Red Devils will be without European football for the second time in 35 years, after failing to win a place in the Champions League next season.If Gyokeres was to leave Sporting, it looks more likely that he would choose Arsenal, who have booked their place in Europe’s elite competition. More

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      Primeira Liga final day LIVE SCORES: Sporting and Benfica’s epic title race goes right down to the wire – updates

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      IT doesn’t get any more exciting than this as the race for the Primeira Liga title boils down to the day – with both Sporting and Benfica LEVEL on points!Arsenal’s top target Viktor Gyokeres thought he had teed up Francisco Trincao for the winner when Sporting met Benfica last weekend.But Kerem Akturkoglu’s 63rd-minute strike forced the Portuguese giants to share the spoils, meaning that both teams go into the final day of the 2024/25 season on 79 points.Whoever betters the other one’s result will take the crown, but if both teams end the day still level on points, the title would go to Sporting as they have a better head-to-head record.There is also a thrilling battle at the bottom of the table where FOUR teams are fighting for survival.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from the Primeira Liga final day with our live blog below… More

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      Arsenal ‘get green light to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer from Sporting for just £60m as contract details emerge’

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      ARSENAL are set to make Viktor Gyokeres one of their highest earners – and could land him for just £60million. The Gunners are among a host of Europe’s elite chasing the prolific Swede striker.Viktor Gyokeres is high on Arsenal’s summer wishlistCredit: EPAThe Swedish striker has scored goals for fun in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023Credit: EPAGyokeres, 26, has scored 95 goals in 100 games since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City.The forward cost the Portuguese club £16.8m in the summer of 2023. And reports suggest Sporting have already agreed a price with Arsenal for one of their top targets.New sporting director Andrea Berta has placed Gyokeres high on his wishlist as the Gunners look to overhaul their attack. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mirror report that there is already an agreement in place on price between the two clubs.The £60m fee represents a lower figure than the £85m release clause included in the forward’s contract.But that price tag “could go higher” if clubs pile in for a bidding war in the summer, with Manchester United among those tracking Gyokeres.The 26-year-old will also command a hefty wage, with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7million-a-year.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe is expected to be offered a deal north of £200,000-a-week, putting him among the top earners at the Emirates.Arsenal are also keen on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, 22.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackHowever, reports suggest the club has “reservations” about that deal and considers Gyokeres its top target. Gyokeres ended April in stunning form, netting EIGHT times in just three games against Moreirense, Rio Ave and Boavista.The ex-Brighton striker was recently asked about the possibility of a switch to the capital.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.But he remained tight-lipped on his future with Sporting going into a last-day shootout for the title with rivals Benfica on Saturday. Asked after the win over Moreirense if he liked London, Gyokeres replied with a smile: “I like Lisbon!”He added: “No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment.” More

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      Arsenal’s striker dilemma laid bare between Gyokeres and Sesko as club ‘have reservations over transfer’

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      ARSENAL are stuck in a striker dilemma over Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.The Gunners have made it their top priority to bring in a new goalscorer this summer after falling short of silverware once again.Arsenal have reservations over signing Benjamin SeskoCredit: RexThe Gunners need to move quickly to sign Viktor GyokeresCredit: AFPArsenal have RB Leipzig’s Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres on their shortlist as a deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle is unrealistic.And reports from journalist David Ornstein suggest that the club are currently at a crossroads.He claims Arsenal have done “a lot of work” on Sesko but there remains reservations “maybe on the price and the player”.Sky Germany say the 21-year-old has a £62million release clause in his contract amid interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham too.READ MORE ON ARSENALSesko is said to still be an option for Arsenal but new chief Andrea Berta is a bigger fan of Gyokeres.The 26-year-old has an £85m release clause but Sporting could accept a fee closer to £60m.Though Arsenal need to act quickly to seal the deal for him as the race of his signature is intensifying.Ornstein told NBC: “Gyokeres is probably the best value for money option out there but the time is ticking and other interest is building, so let’s see if Arsenal move on that sooner, rather than later.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSManchester United boss Ruben Amorim is keen on a reunion with the striker he got the best out of at Sporting and Atletico Madrid also fancy their chances.Gyokeres is on the front cover of Portuguese newspapers today that claim he has been offered a huge £7m-a-year contract by Arsenal.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackBut Mikel Arteta’s side are yet to make a formal bid for the player.A top Arsenal scout was supposedly at Sporting’s 1-1 draw with Benfica on Saturday to scout Gyokeres.And they also like the look of his team-mates Ousmane Diomande and Francisco Trincao.Centre-back Diomande, 21, has long been on the radar of several Premier League clubs.Winger Trincao, 25, has emerged as a shock target after scoring ten and assisting 18 in all competitions this season.He spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Wolves but managed just three goals.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More