Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has said that star striker Viktor Gyokeres could leave the club this summer for a price lower than his release clause. Varandas spoke about the Swedish forward’s future ahead of the club's General Assembly this weekend.
Gyokeres, aged 27, is a top target for both Arsenal and Manchester United. However, the prolific striker reportedly does not want to join Manchester United. He has told friends and family he expects to play Champions League football with Arsenal next season. But a recent report on 29 June 2025 states Gyokeres has now "U-turned" and gives "priority" to Manchester United.
Sporting are standing firm on their valuation of the player. They rejected Arsenal’s opening bid of £46.8 million for Gyokeres. While a release clause in his contract is set at €100 million (£85.4 million), Varandas confirmed that Sporting will be "reasonable" and will not ask for the full amount. However, he was clear that Gyokeres "will not leave for €60+€10 million" (£50 million plus £8 million in add-ons), a figure previously understood by the player's camp.
The forward is said to be "furious" that Sporting turned down Arsenal’s first offer. He is even threatening to go on strike to force a move to the Emirates Stadium. Sources on 29 June 2025 suggest Gyokeres has been given an extended summer holiday until 7 July, as he has "no intention of playing for the club again."
"Sporting are very calm about Gyokeres, we do not need to sell Gyokeres," Varandas said. "We have already passed the stage where we have to sell our best assets." He added, "But in the same way that we do not have to sell him, we are still sensitive to Viktor’s dreams."
Varandas compared Gyokeres's value to recent Premier League transfers. He noted that Matheus Cunha moved to Manchester United for around €75 million (£62.5 million). Cunha joined United on 2 June 2025. Varandas also mentioned Martin Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Gyokeres and joined Arsenal for €65 million (£55 million). He believes Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since 2023, is of higher quality than players sold for similar fees.
Arsenal are also looking at RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as another option. Reports on 29 June 2025 indicate Sesko's asking price has dropped to around £59.7 million (€70 million), making him potentially cheaper than Gyokeres, whom Sporting are reportedly holding out for around £68 million (€80 million) for. The Gunners may walk away from a deal for Gyokeres if Sporting continue to play hardball.
