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Viktor Gyökeres has become one of the most closely followed names in the window again, with a newly active clause in his deal drawing attention. Manchester United would be among those monitoring how the situation unfolds at Sporting Lisbon.
According to Portuguese outlet, Abola (today’s edition, page 4),the clause, triggered on the first of July, stipulates that if Sporting refuse a €60 million offer for Gyökeres, they must pay 10 percent of that sum—€6 million, to the striker’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya.
Interestingly, this clause only became effective today, which might explain the lack of progress since Arsenal presented their initial €55 million plus €10 million proposal.
This development adds further fuel to what has become one of the most volatile transfer sagas of the summer.
Gyökeres, 27, remains under contract with Sporting until 2028 and has a €100 million release clause. Despite that, the Lisbon club have been open to negotiating around €80 million, just not the €60 million his camp insists was promised last summer.
Arsenal have long held an interest in the Sweden international and are reportedly prepared to table a €60 million bid, rising to €70 million with add-ons. That would match the now-triggered clause, but Sporting president Frederico Varandas has been defiant.
Speaking over the weekend, Varandas dismissed any notion of a cut-price exit, saying: “Sporting will not demand the termination clause, but Viktor does not leave for €60m plus €10m. No.” Those words have further angered the player and his representatives.
Yesterday, we reported on Gyökeres’ furious reaction to Varandas’ public comments. . The striker is now refusing to report for pre-season training and is preparing a public statement to explain his side of the situation.
He also accused Varandas of spreading misleading information, claiming the club is using the media to distract from their refusal to honour past agreements. Sources close to the player say he was promised a departure this summer if a suitable offer arrived.
From a Man United perspective, the noise around Gyökeres is worth tracking. Though United are not currently in the frame, the club’s long-standing need for a prolific number nine could yet bring them into contention, particularly if Arsenal’s bid forces Sporting into a corner.
Gyökeres scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season and is coming off back-to-back campaigns as Portugal’s top scorer. United’s own striker situation remains uncertain, with doubts around Rasmus Højlund’s readiness to lead the line week in, week out.
While Arsenal appear closest to making a move, United could benefit if the Gunners’ offer is rejected. A player-driven standoff may lower the price, or shift Gyökeres’ attention toward other suitors if Sporting continue to stall.
Featured image: Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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