Juventus claim made as Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga takes new turn amid Arsenal hesitation
Juventus are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal and Manchester United for the signing of Sporting’s former Coventry City striker
Juventus are the latest club to reportedly set their sights on in-demand striker Viktor Gyokeres. With Arsenal’s pursuit of the Sporting Lisbon star seemingly in limbo, the Italians are said to have tabled a substantial contract offer for the Coventry City old boy.
Gyokeres, 27, is a wanted man after another impressive season for the Portuguese champions, sparking interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester United. However, a reunion with his former Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim, at Old Trafford now appears less probable.
The Mirror claimed last week that Gyokeres’ preferred destination would be Arsenal, but the Gunners are also pursuing Benjamin Sesko and are said to be unhappy with Sporting’s reported transfer demands of around £68m.
Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons in Portugal since his arrival for about £20m from Coventry, and it seems Juventus are now ready to swoop.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian giants are eager to recruit Gyokeres and have indicated to his agent that they are willing to meet his £11m-a-year wage expectations. It is also claimed Juve plan to submit an official bid exceeding £60m in the coming day.
The latest development could be a significant blow for Arsenal, who reportedly remain interested in signing Gyokeres despite alleged ‘frustrations’ over Sporting’s stance on the deal.
It had been claimed a gentleman’s agreement between Gyokeres and Sporting meant he could depart for around €60m, far less than his reported €100m release clause, but club officials now deny this and are said to be demanding nearer €80m (£68m).
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has labelled Gyokeres’ agent as a troublemaker, while the player is reportedly ready to go on strike to force through a move.
Coventry City rivals secure transfer No 4 as Wrexham linked with shock Sheffield Wednesday move
Swansea City have confirmed the signing of Australian international Cameron Burgess from Ipswich Town, while Wrexham are eyeing a shock move for a Sheffield Wednesday star
After a bittersweet 2024/25 Championship campaign, Coventry City will be looking for key players in the summer transfer window to take them that little bit further next term.
A play-off semi-final defeat at the hands of promoted Sunderland felt ever more painful for Sky Blues fans after their team largely dominated the Black Cats – only to still lose out.
Sunderland’s Wembley final success over favourites Sheffield United then merely rubbed salt in the City wounds, but no doubt also made Frank Lampard and his team determined to make sure there will be no repeat in 2025/26.
