VIKTOR GYOKERES has told his family where he expects to play next season, according to reports.
The Sporting Lisbon striker is being looked at by both Arsenal and Manchester United this summer.
Viktor Gyokeres has told those close to him who he will be signing for[/caption]
Gyokeres, 27, is certain to leave the Portuguese giants although they are “playing hardball” by demanding an £80m fee.
talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook said: “I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal.
“We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well – obviously there is that pre-existing relationship with Ruben Amorim.
“But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season.
“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well.
“But at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”
The Swede is said to be considering going on strike to force his Sporting exit.
Gyokeres is furious as he believes the club have broken a promise that he would be sold for £50million with a further £8million in add-ons.
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That agreement was supposedly made with former chief Hugo Viana.
But since his departure to Manchester City, club president Frederico Varandas is handling the transfer.
He has slammed Gyokeres last week, saying: “Sporting will not accept blackmail and insults – you should know me better by now.
“One thing is certain, we will not accept £50m plus £8m. As of now, Sporting has not received any bids for Gyokeres.
“It was agreed that Sporting would not demand the release clause at the end of the season, especially because he was going to be 27.
“We knew about Viktor’s dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League and we have common sense.
“We guaranteed that we would not demand £85m. Sporting has common sense, it keeps its word.”
Sesko, 22, is also on Arsenal’s radar and reports in Germany say they have agreed personal terms with him.
Inside Arsenal’s frustrating striker transfer saga
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL’S never-ending hunt for a world-class striker is in turmoil as deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stall.
The Gunners were confident of doing their business quickly this summer after months of preparation by boss Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.
But inflated asking prices and broken gentlemen’s agreements have derailed those plans and left Arsenal frustrated.
Sesko believed he would be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around £60million, while SunSport understands Gyokeres was told £59m would be enough to seal his own exit.
But those price-tags have gone up, leaving Arsenal debating whether they represent value for money.
While the players’ camps are also growing restless, knowing the Gunners can only sign one of them.
So what next? Will Arsenal keep waiting in the hope of fees eventually going down? Or turn to other targets, like Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike?
Whatever they decide, with pre-season looming and the fixtures already out, Arteta will be desperate for them to move quickly to avoid another nearly season.
