Arsenal turned their attention to Viktor Gyökeres after the Madueke deal collapsed. The deal failed because the clubs and Madueke could not agree on a salary. Madueke wanted to be the highest-paid player in the Arsenal squad.
Viktor Gyökeres is determined to join Arsenal this summer, and this has been repeatedly reported in Portugal for several months.
On Monday, Record reported the Gunners had improved their verbal offer to €65m plus €15m in bonuses, while Sporting wanted a €70m fixed fee.
Since then, there have been claims that Arsenal could walk away, but his camp continues to push him towards the Emirates.
On Friday, we covered claims from Portugal which stated he’s not planning to return to training, with his return date postponed until Saturday.
France Football have spoken to the Sweden international at length, in an interview conducted on July 7th, and L’Equipe have relayed his comments.
Despite claims of Arsenal’s interest, the 27-year-old wasn’t specifically asked about Mikel Arteta’s side.
L’Equipe did ask if he plans to leave the Lions this summer.
“Maybe. That’s football, you never know. I don’t think about it; we’ll see what happens. If something happens, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me,” he said.
They followed that up by asking whether the Premier League is an option for him.
“It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match.
So, of course, it’s something I’d like to do. It would be great revenge!” Gyökeres explained.
The striker also praised three Arsenal players when asked if any players had impressed him.
“Yes, definitely. Especially at English clubs. Midfielders like Bernardo Silva, [Mateo] Kovačić at City, or [Bukayo] Saka at Arsenal are impressive.
I’ve also faced high-level defenders, like [the Gunners’] Gabriel and [William] Saliba. It’s a chance to play against those kinds of players,” he added.
Arsenal are pushing to sign Gyökeres, who is hopeful for a quick resolution.
