Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres has emphatically declared his commitment to stay with Sporting Lisbon, dismissing any potential move in the upcoming January transfer window. Despite strong links connecting the Swedish striker to Arsenal, Gyokeres has expressed contentment with his current club and ruled out any departure.
Gyokeres’ stellar performance in the Portuguese league, amassing 17 goals and eight assists in 20 games this season, has attracted attention from top clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Sporting Lisbon’s manager, Ruben Amorim, clarified that Gyokeres would only leave if a club triggers his substantial €100 million (£86 million) buyout clause.
In response to the transfer rumors, Gyokeres affirmed his satisfaction at Sporting Lisbon, stating, “I am very happy here, and at the moment, I am not interested in any suitors.” He emphasized his focus on enjoying his time at the club and downplayed the external speculation surrounding his potential move to prominent clubs.
When directly asked about a promise not to leave in January, Gyokeres responded with a definitive “Yes,” expressing his desire to remain with Sporting Lisbon. This declaration adds a layer of certainty to his commitment to the club and diminishes the likelihood of a mid-season transfer.
The rumors linking Arsenal to Gyokeres were met with skepticism from the outset, given Arsenal’s substantial spending in the summer transfer window, including acquisitions like Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber, amounting to over £200 million. The notion of splurging £86 million on Gyokeres just months later seemed unrealistic, and Gyokeres’ recent statement reinforces the improbability of such a move.
With the player himself asserting his intention to stay put, Arsenal fans may need to adjust their expectations for a January signing, recognizing the financial considerations and Gyokeres’ commitment to Sporting Lisbon. The striker’s remarkable form continues to make him a sought-after talent, but a winter move to Arsenal appears increasingly unlikely.
🚨🟢 Sporting manager Amorim on new links for Viktor Gyokeres and PL clubs: “He will only leave if someone pays the buyout clause in January — otherwise he will stay”.
Release clause: €100m. pic.twitter.com/0y9H9OAmk9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2023
