Liverpool Make Shock Move for Viktor Gyökeres, Beating Arsenal to the Punch

This just in — Liverpool have officially joined the high-stakes pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, placing themselves in direct competition with Arsenal and Manchester United, according to reports surfacing from Portugal.

I’m hearing that both Arsenal and United have already held in-depth negotiations with Sporting CP over a potential deal for Gyökeres. However, as of now, no agreement has been reached regarding the transfer fee.

Earlier this month, a key meeting took place in Menorca between Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, and Sporting’s counterpart, Bernardo Palmeiro. The subject of that meeting? A formal bid for the Swedish striker — who, remarkably, netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last season.

That offer from Arsenal reportedly totalled €55 million (£46.8m) up front, with an additional €10m (£8.5m) in performance-related add-ons. But that bid was swiftly turned down by Sporting.

Now, Liverpool have entered the frame. The Merseyside club are said to be targeting Gyökeres as a possible replacement for Darwin Núñez, who has agreed personal terms with Napoli — though no fee has yet been settled with the Serie A champions.

According to Correio da Manhã, Liverpool have formally contacted Sporting CP to open discussions, and the Portuguese giants are demanding €80 million (£68.1m) for their star forward. While Gyökeres has a €100m (£85.1m) release clause, sources suggest Sporting are willing to negotiate below that threshold — but not without friction.

In fact, tensions appear to be rising inside the Lisbon-based club. Sporting president Frederico Varandas recently lashed out at Gyökeres’ representatives amid rumors of a pre-agreed fee.

“Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas declared. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m [£51m plus £8.5m] because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”

Meanwhile, fresh reports from Portugal this week suggest that Gyökeres may now be prepared to take drastic measures — including going on strike — in an effort to push through a move to Arsenal, who are believed to be his preferred destination.

Manchester United remain firmly interested, but their lack of European competition next season is understood to be a significant drawback in Gyökeres’ eyes.

For now, the saga continues, with Liverpool now squarely in the mix. Keep it here for live updates as this transfer story develops.