Lisbon Fans Send Message as Gyokeres Nears £62.4m Arsenal Transfer
Sporting Lisbon Fans Show Support for Viktor Gyokeres Amid Transfer to Arsenal
Fans of Sporting Lisbon have expressed their sentiments regarding the potential departure of striker Viktor Gyokeres, as the Swedish forward moves closer to a £62.4 million transfer to Arsenal.
Gyokeres has been eager to join the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal being his top choice. However, protracted negotiations have led to tensions, including Gyokeres missing the start of pre-season training with Sporting last Friday. The club’s president, Frederico Varandas, warned the player about possible disciplinary action, highlighting concerns over his reputation despite his significant contributions over two successful seasons that helped Sporting secure consecutive league titles.
Eventually, Sporting and Arsenal agreed on a transfer fee of £55 million plus £7.4 million in potential add-ons, with Gyokeres signing a five-year contract. Fans initially voiced their opinions during a pre-season friendly against Celtic, displaying banners that reflected mixed feelings about the transfer.
Sporting Lisbon supporters have publicly shown their stance on Gyokeres’ possible move.
During the match, a banner read, “I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay.”
Another banner, displayed in the second half, stated, “No one is above the club’s interests,” emphasizing loyalty to Sporting.
These banners suggest a willingness among supporters to move past Gyokeres, as the club appears increasingly resigned to losing their star striker. During his tenure, Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, including 54 last season, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s top forwards. His departure would mark the end of a successful period that included two league titles and a Portuguese Cup.
Arsenal aims to finalize the transfer before their pre-season tour in Asia, with Gyokeres having previously moved to Sporting from Coventry for £20m, scoring 43 goals in 2.5 seasons. The Gunners are also close to signing Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the latter expected to join for around £52m. This summer, Arsenal has invested heavily in adding depth, including signings like Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard from Brentford, as they prepare for the upcoming season.