Latest news with #Abola
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Viktor Gyokeres is 'furious with Sporting Lisbon for blocking his move to Arsenal' as transfer saga turns ugly
Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly fuming with Sporting Lisbon for holding up his departure from the club this summer. The Swedish striker is one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe after flourishing in Portugal over the past two seasons, and had expected to get a transfer to the Premier League. Gyokeres prefers a move to Arsenal over Manchester United, but his price-tag has become a major stumbling block for any deal. It is understood that Gyokeres believes he reached a gentleman's agreement with Sporting last summer that would see the club accept a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) including add-ons at the end of the season. However, Sporting are now trying to hold out for a significantly higher fee - with Gyokeres having a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract, and club president Frederico Varandas has accused Gyokeres' team of trying to 'blackmail' the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres has reportedly threatened to go on strike after vowing to 'speak at the right time', and, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, he is 'very upset' with Sporting's current stance and has made his feelings clear to the club's hierarchy. Their report claims five clubs are interested in signing Gyokeres, with Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Saudi Arabian team Al-Ahli joining Arsenal and United in monitoring the 27-year-old's situation. Gyokeres would also welcome interest from Manchester City and Liverpool, while he is open to a move to Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG or Bayern Munich. But Sporting are adamant that they won't let their star striker leave for a fee that falls below their asking price. Varandas claimed last week that Sporting will not demand £84m for Gyokeres, but also stated that allowing the forward to depart for £60m is also off the table as a war of words broke out. 'Sporting will not demand the release clause, but they should know me better by now,' Varandas said. 'Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me. 'I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + €10m. He won't leave because I never allowed it, and the game his agent is playing will only make the situation worse.' Varandas has denied a gentleman's agreement was ever in place as the transfer saga continues to turn ugly. Gyokeres may now be concerned that he could miss out on a move to Arsenal, with the Gunners also closely tracking several other options to bolster their frontline. The north London club have shown interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, while Alexander Isak, Julian Alvarez and Ollie Watkins are also believed to be on their radar as potential alternatives. But Gyokeres could be the standout candidate to fill the No 9 role after scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. His goals secured a domestic double for the club last term, and Arsenal may view him as the missing piece of the jigsaw as they look to end their trophy drought under Mikel Arteta next season.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Benfica struggling to meet financial demands of a João Félix deal — report
Benfica are said to be interested in bringing back João Félix, preferably before the start of the Club World Cup, but in an entirely expected development, they are struggling to meet the financial demands of this proposition — even though both player and club are pushing hard for the reunion (and Chelsea are more than willing to make it happen, for a reasonable price). According to A Bola, Benfica initially asked for a loan, but Chelsea are adamant about authorizing only a permanent move. We have asked for €30m to make that happen. Benfica are willing to go as high as €25m, so the gap in valuation is certainly not huge — though €25m would be the third highest transfer fee paid in Benfica history, so it's already a considerable investment for them. However, the bigger hindrance is the salary. Félix is rumored to be earning around €8m per year, which is twice as much as Benfica's wage structure allows. So if he truly wants this reunion to happen, he will have to take a significant pay cut. More from Thibaut Courtois wins Premier League Golden Glove What is your favorite memory of Chelsea's Champions League final victory in Munich? Nathan Ake, Kurt Zouma receive surprise national team call-ups Chelsea to continue building around Eden Hazard Chelsea 4-3 Watford, Premier League: Tactical Analysis Chelsea 'making progress' on €90m Romelu Lukaku — reports Conte wants six new signings at Chelsea for next season's Premier League and Champions League title push Sign in to access your portfolio
