Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer update as 'two offers rejected' and 'verbal agreement' close

Arsenal have been given a major boost to their hopes of signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Sporting CP striker continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.

Gyokeres, who sees his contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, featured 33 times in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Rui Borges' side, he fired the Lions to their second successive title.

The Sweden international also helped Sporting win the domestic double, finding the net against Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final. His impressive performances certainly haven't gone unnoticed, with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be chasing his signature.

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According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres has snubbed lucrative offers from Al Hilal and Al Qadisiyah, who were prepared to offer him millions. The report claims that the 27-year-old wants to join the Gunners, with his agent working hard to close a deal.

It's said that Hasan Cetinkaya is close to reaching a verbal agreement on personal terms with Andrea Berta, who has reportedly been leading discussions. Record adds that Arsenal, however, are still yet to agree a fee with Sporting.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo last week, the Sporting president provided an update on the Swede's situation. Frederico Varandas said: "Firstly, Sporting is very calm about the Viktor Gyokeres case.

"Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, Sporting has gone through the phase where it always had to sell its main asset. We do not have to do this, but we are still sensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other player of ours.

"Sporting has a commitment, on my word, that after weeks of meetings, it will not ask for the value of the clause and will be reasonable in relation to the value requested for Viktor."

On Gyokeres' price tag, Varandas 'guaranteed' that Sporting won't accept a bid worth €70m (£60m). The Sporting president said: "I won't say what the amount is, it was communicated to the agent, the player knows.

"I can guarantee, with absolute certainty, that Viktor will not leave for 60+10 million euros. It's not about wanting to earn something, it's just that he won't leave, absolutely not."

Gyokeres confronted Varandas about his comments, according to Portuguese outlet Record. The report claims that the Arsenal and United target exchanged messages with the Sporting president to express his frustration.

football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of Gyokeres, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship. Berta is thought to be a 'big fan', but, as things stand, the Gunners are yet to submit an official offer.