Although Juventus are actively pursuing Sporting Lisbon hot-shot Viktor Gyokeres, they face the danger of missing out to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old recently discounted a potential move to Manchester United, which has narrowed down the serious interest to just three clubs. Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, Arsenal and Juve.
Although cash-rich Al-Hilal could offer the Sweden international a ridiculously high annual salary, Gyokeres’ representatives remain in talks with both Premier League runner-up Arsenal and Juventus as competing in the Champions League is an attraction.
Gyokeres believed that he had a “gentleman’s agreement” to leave the Portuguese giants for €60 million (US$69.2m), but Sporting president Frederico Varandas denied that and stuck to his guns about a release clause of a staggering €100m (US$115.4m).
Setting record straight
Despite the volatile relationship between Gyokeres and Sporting, Varandas is realistic and last week issued a statement regarding their prized asset.
Varandas claimed: “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m euros, because I never promised that.
“What I can guarantee is that I will not demand €100m. He is going to be 27 years old, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.”
Gyokeres hit nine goals in six 2024/25 Nations League matches for Sweden and scored 97 times in 102 matches during his two seasons at Sporting since signing from Coventry City.
Big stage success
His Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City last season caught the attention of a plethora of top teams. His tally for last term was a whopping 54 goals from 52 Sporting appearances, which included 19 penalties.
Arsenal are desperately in need of a proven goalscorer. The London club have turned their attention away from their previous top target of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who remains on Juve’s radar.
Al-Hilal, who reached prised Simone Inzaghi from Inter Milan to become manager, are lurking should this transfer fail to materialise to England or Italy.
It appears to be a bidding war between Arsenal and Juve, but the Bianconeri are not keen to invest until they have offloaded striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Cash-rich competition
Although Juventus may decide to splash the cash if they can pick up substantial prize money at the lucrative 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals.
Ironically, Vlahovic will be using the month-long tournament to showcase his skills to admirers in a bid to broker a move.
The Serbian striker is the highest paid player in Serie A, with his annual salary of €12m (US$13.9m) the sticking point at Juve and with other clubs.
Juventus wish to lower his wage if he decides to extend his contract, which expires after the 2025/26 campaign.
Allure of Allegri
AC Milan have appointed former Juve manager Max Allegri as head coach, who wishes to reunite with Vlahovic, but the annual money on offer is €7m (US$8.1m). Turkish titans Fenerbahce have proposed €10m (US$11.5m).
Gyokeres may have an expensive transfer fee, but Juve propose to pay him an annual salary of €7.5m (US$8.65m).
With false quotes attributed to Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya and relentless unverified reports about bids made to Premier League, Gyokeres took to social media to explain that he would only discuss his potential transfer when the time was right.
Plan-B Sesko
Arsenal appear to want to fast-track Gyokeres’ transfer to hijack Juve’s plans, although for both clubs their back-up of Sesko could be renewed if they are unable to secure the Swedish sharpshooter.
There’s even been rumors appearing in the Italian media that Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen could be tempted to Turin despite having already turned down Juventus.
Juve will not want a prolific marksman to slip through their fingers, but there could be a U-turn with Vlahovic and therefore no need to buy another center forward.
Change of heart
The club already backtracked about promoting Igor Tudor from interim head coach to permanent manager, after their favored candidates scored jobs elsewhere.
Juventus have long been looking at secondary strikers, so should Vlahovic remain next term then he may have a new team-mate such as Osasuna’s all-time top scorer Ante Budimir or Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca.
Although Tudor would be delighted to have Gyokeres as a key piece as part of his summer revamp project should Vlahovic be sold, Gyokeres will determine where to ply his trade next season.