Sporting CP ace Viktor Gyokeres has turned down the opportunity to join Premier League giants Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after players in world football at this point in time. The Swedish international seems to be at the peak of his powers and every top club is keen on acquiring his services.
Arsenal are one of the clubs that have been linked with the Sporting CP striker for a while now. Mikel Arteta is keen on having him in his squad but according to a report from Fichajes, Gyokeres has rejected the opportunity to join the Gunners.
The 26-year-old hasn’t looked back since joining Sporting from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. In his debut season in Portugal, Gyokeres ended up scoring 43 goals and he even bagged 15 assists in his 50 outings. His sensational numbers resulted in a lot of interest but he decided to stay at the club.
The Swedish international has carried on in a similar fashion this season as he has 23 goals and four assists in just 18 appearances this season. Gyokeres has entered his prime and some of the biggest clubs are interested in his services.
Multiple top clubs from the Premier League as well as the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona are monitoring him. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are interested in the 26-year-old striker. They wanted to bring in an out-and-out striker during the summer but things didn’t go according to plan.
Arsenal have suffered a setback in Gyokeres pursuit
With Gabriel Jesus not a part of Arteta’s long-term plans and Kai Havertz, not a proper number nine, the Spanish manager wants a top striker who can help his team close the gap on Manchester City. Gyokeres’ numbers suggest he can help their cause.
They were considering adding him to their squad but the Swedish striker is not interested in joining the North London club. He is quite happy at Sporting and intends to complete the season at the Portuguese club where he has a contract until the summer of 2028.
While there is no shortage of interest in him, Gyokeres doesn’t want to rush into a decision. He will take his time before deciding the next step in his career which is picking up pace at the perfect time.