Arsenal could have been handed a welcome boost amidst ongoing links to Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres, who is reported to be ‘angered’ by his manager’s mid-season exit to Manchester United.
Movement of players and indeed coaching staff in the Premier League always creates a variety of domino effects, the key often being to not benefit your rivals. Man United will be feeling elated with their appointment of Amorim, as confirmed this Friday lunchtime, though it may lead one of Europe’s deadliest goalscorers into the Gunners’ arms.
According to a report by O Jogo, several of Sporting’s squad have been left ‘questioning’ their coach’s decision to make the switch to Old Trafford part-way through the 2024/25 campaign. Gyokeres – who attracted major interest from Arsenal and other top European teams during the summer months – is one of those specifically named.
He supposedly feels that he stayed loyal Amorim by remaining in the Primera Liga, so he expected the same from the head coach. Now that faith has not been repaid, Gyokeres must wait for his next major transfer.
The Sweden international, 26, was once sounded out by Brighton but opted to move to Coventry City previously. There, he made 116 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 17 assists, before choosing Sporting over teams in the lower reached of the Premier League he was simultaneously linked with.
That turned out to be an inspired decision as his year there has allowed him to become a Portuguese champion, scoring a further 59 goals in 65 outings. This has grabbed the attention of Arsenal and their rivals.
There’s a point that disillusionment would become an issue for Arsenal, though, with the player scoring another two goals this midweek. As the Amorim discourse picked up, his professionalism seems to be another admirable trait for Mikel Arteta to behold.
Now, it might just be down to him and the club to convince this key ‘target’ the Emirates Stadium is the correct destination for him to continue his staggering rise.
Gyokeres reportedly has a £84million release clause written into his contract in Lisbon, but recent claims suggest Sporting would actually consider offers in the region of £51m-£59m. United will inevitably become a key player in this discussion given their new tie to the player, while Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea have also been mentioned.
