What could be Happening behind the scene?: Viktor Gyokeres footage speaks volumes as Arsenal target spotted with Tottenham ace
Viktor Gyökeres Sends Arsenal Subtle Message Amid Ongoing Transfer Saga
Viktor Gyökeres has offered a subtle reminder of his readiness for top-flight football, as a new video clip surfaced showing the prolific Sporting CP striker maintaining his fitness levels during the summer break. The footage, which quickly made the rounds on social media, features the Swedish forward training with his national team compatriot Lucas Bergvall—who, in an intriguing twist, currently plies his trade with Arsenal’s North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
The 27-year-old Gyökeres has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks, with Arsenal reportedly leading the chase for his signature. Mikel Arteta is known to be a long-term admirer of the forward, who netted an astonishing 54 goals across all competitions last season. Despite serious competition from Premier League rivals such as Manchester United, reports indicate that Gyökeres prefers a move to the Emirates, seeing Arsenal as the ideal destination to take the next step in his career.
However, several roadblocks have so far prevented any deal from being finalised. Arsenal are also pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, and their simultaneous interest in the Slovenian has somewhat complicated the Gyökeres situation. Additionally, Sporting are standing firm on their valuation, insisting any club must meet the player’s £84 million release clause. So far, the Portuguese giants have shown little willingness to negotiate below that figure.
Still, Gyökeres appears determined to show his dedication and readiness. As seen in the training clip, he’s been working closely with other Swedish players, including Felix Beijmo of Danish side Aarhus and Lucas Bergvall, who joined Spurs in an £8.5 million deal from Djurgårdens IF earlier this year. Bergvall went on to make a strong impression in his debut Premier League campaign, featuring in 45 matches and playing a key role in Tottenham’s surprise UEFA Europa League triumph.
Reports from Portuguese media outlet Record suggest that Gyökeres has not taken the summer off lightly. Instead, he’s been adhering to a strict personal training regime in Stockholm, working daily to stay in peak condition ahead of the 2024/25 season. His efforts may also be interpreted as a message to Arsenal: he is ready to hit the ground running if they can secure a deal.
Despite Sporting president Frederico Varandas insisting that the club won’t bow to pressure or allow themselves to be “blackmailed” into accepting a cut-price fee, there are signs that negotiations could soon progress. Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã reported on Monday that Sporting may be willing to compromise, potentially lowering their asking price to around £68.5 million—a significant drop from the original clause.
Meanwhile, A Bola has gone a step further, suggesting that Gyökeres may be willing to force the issue by refusing to report for pre-season, essentially going on strike if a deal does not move forward. While such measures are often used as a last resort, it reflects the striker’s apparent eagerness to make the jump to the Premier League.
Time may be of the essence. Arsenal are set to embark on a high-profile pre-season tour of Asia in July, with friendly fixtures lined up against AC Milan, Newcastle United, and arch-rivals Tottenham. Arteta is reportedly keen to have key transfer targets in place before the tour begins to ensure full integration into his tactical plans.
However, conflicting reports suggest that the Arsenal boss may prioritise a move for Šeško instead. German outlet Bild recently claimed that the Gunners have already reached personal terms with the Leipzig forward, indicating that a deal could be close. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be actively negotiating with both Leipzig and Sporting CP in parallel, attempting to weigh up the best value and fit for the squad.
While nothing is yet confirmed, Gyökeres’ training efforts and reported determination to leave Sporting add another layer of intrigue to an already complex transfer saga. Whether Arsenal ultimately opt to bring him in—or pivot fully to Šeško—remains to be seen, but the Swedish striker has made it clear he’s ready for the next big move.