Viktor Gyokeres indicated that a potential transfer to Sporting Lisbon was thwarted by a substantial price tag amid interest from Arsenal.
The Swedish forward was linked with a move to the Emirates after an impressive scoring season in 2023/24.
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He scored an impressive 43 goals and provided 15 assists across 50 games, leading Sporting to the Portuguese league title.
Speculation has circulated that the Gunners hold the 26-year-old in high regard after he netted 21 goals while with Coventry in the 2022/23 season.
However, Arsenal did not pursue their interest further, with Mikel Arteta opting not to acquire a striker during the summer window.
With Gyokeres having a release clause of £85 million, he believes this hefty sum deterred potential buyers.
He shared with Sport Bladet: « They (Sporting) wanted the majority of the key players to stay and held onto us tightly.
« That’s how it ended up, but I truly enjoy sporting, so staying wasn’t an issue for me. »
Gyokeres also did not dismiss the possibility of leaving Sporting in 2025, keeping his future ambiguous.
He added: « Of course. You aim to compete at the highest level.
« That £85 million release clause was likely a bit steep, as nothing materialized. It’s indeed a lot of money, but we’ll see what the next transfer window holds. »
“Nothing happened, and I feel I had a solid season. That’s probably why a transfer didn’t go through.
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« However, that is what Sporting values me at, and I respect that.
“I really enjoy my time at Sporting and can’t complain about anything, so staying is absolutely no problem for me.
« Naturally, you aspire to explore other leagues and higher levels, but I’m not feeling rushed.”
Without a doubt, Gyokeres has begun the new season in exceptional form, contributing seven goals and three assists in just five matches.
He has scored in each of the first four league matches.
He also netted a goal for Sweden in their 3-0 Nations League win against Azerbaijan on Thursday evening.
If he maintains this outstanding performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if a European giant looks to acquire him in the January transfer window.
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