Sporting Lisbon’s star striker Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly turned down two huge offers from the Saudi Pro League, as the Swedish international would rather go to the Premier League.
The Swedish striker scored a whopping 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting in the 2024/25 season, placing him among the world’s most sought-after attackers.
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Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring the situation closely, with the former considered favourites – although a move to Old Trafford has not been completely written off yet.
According to Portuguese Record, Gyökeres has received two “monster bids” from Saudi Arabia, with both Al Qadsiah FC and Al-Hilal offering him staggering wages. But the striker has made it clear that he prefers English football. – Viktor Gyökeres currently earns 2.4 million euros a year at Sporting, he can count on a sharp salary increase with a move to the Premier League, but nowhere near the 40 million euros he would get by playing desert football.
Premier League only for Gyökeres
Gyökeres has a €100 million release clause in his Sporting contract, but there have been conflicting reports about the club’s sale price.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas was crystal clear in an interview with O Jogo:
“Viktor will not be sold for €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses. This is not about haggling – it is completely out of the question. If he stays, we are happy. Then it becomes our opponents’ problem.”
According to A Bola, Sporting could be willing to accept €70 million (£60.5m) upfront plus €10 million (£8.5m) in achievable bonuses – a sum that is unlikely to be a problem for Arsenal.
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Arsenal leads the match
Earlier this year, Manchester United seemed to be leading the chase for Gyökeres, especially with former Sporting coach Rúben Amorim at the helm. But without European Cup football next season, United have lost ground.
Arsenal are now considered clear favourites, with reports that a five-year contract has already been agreed – all that remains is an agreement between the clubs.
Signing Gyökeres would be a powerful signal from Mikel Arteta’s side, and could be a transformative reinforcement given the striker’s impressive goalscoring flair.
