Viktor Gyokeres splits, eyes Premier League move

Viktor Gyokeres has signalled the next chapter of his career by ending his relationship with Portuguese actress Ines Aguiar and instructing his representatives to “cut all Portugal ties” ahead of a potential summer transfer, sources close to the Sporting CP star have revealed. The timing of the break-up, combined with growing interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, suggests the Sweden international is fast-tracking his exit strategy after a spectacular debut campaign in Lisbon.

Viktor Gyokeres and a season to remember in Lisbon

The 25-year-old arrived from Coventry City last July and electrified the Primeira Liga. Viktor Gyokeres racked up 29 league goals and 11 assists, quickly justifying a €20 million outlay that now looks like a bargain. He coupled relentless pressing with clever link-up play, helping manager Rúben Amorim reclaim the domestic title and reach the Europa League quarter-finals. Unsurprisingly, Sporting inserted a €100 million release clause and will point to that figure in negotiations this summer.

Premier League interest intensifies

Sporting’s stance has not deterred England’s elite. Arsenal view Viktor Gyokeres as the dynamic, self-creating No. 9 Mikel Arteta lacks. The Gunners have admired his powerful ball-carrying and aerial prowess ever since he scored twice against their U-23 side in 2019 while on Brighton’s books. Manchester United, meanwhile, need a reliable partner—or competition—for Rasmus Højlund and believe Gyokeres’ work-rate suits Erik ten Hag’s pressing blueprint.

Why parting with Portugal matters

The Swede’s split with Aguiar is about more than romance. Friends say he wants a clean emotional slate to stay fully focused on his next move. Viktor Gyokeres has also put his Lisbon home on the market and requested that his marketing team relocate sponsorship meetings to London and Manchester from May onward. Those close actions underpin the perception that he views the upcoming window as a now-or-never Premier League leap.

Financial hurdles for Arsenal and United

While both English giants are prepared to pay well above €70 million, Sporting are adamant that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave unless his buy-out clause is met. The Portuguese champions expect a bidding war, especially with Financial Fair Play allowing Arsenal greater headroom after January’s frugal business, and with United likely to raise funds by off-loading Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho.

Alternative suitors and dark horses

Chelsea have scouted Gyokeres repeatedly, although they may prioritize Victor Osimhen. Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring the situation in case Kylian Mbappé’s departure requires a quick fix. Bayern Munich, lacking physicality since Robert Lewandowski left, have also requested information, but Bundesliga insiders say they will not match Sporting’s clause unless other targets fall through. Regardless, Viktor Gyokeres remains firmly attracted to English football, believing the Premier League will maximise his international profile ahead of Euro 2024.

Timeline for a Viktor Gyokeres decision

Sporting want clarity before pre-season, yet sources suggest the saga could stretch until late July, with Arsenal hoping to negotiate staggered payments and performance bonuses. United’s new ownership structure may speed things up if INEOS sign off on a marquee striker early. Either way, Viktor Gyokeres has instructed his camp to resolve his future before Sporting’s July 15 report date, ensuring a full pre-season with whichever club secures his signature.

Agent influence and player ambition

His agent Hasan Cetinkaya successfully engineered Alexander Isak’s move to Newcastle and is renowned for leveraging Premier League demand into lucrative deals. Cetinkaya believes Viktor Gyokeres is ready to “dominate the world’s best league” and wants wages in the £180,000-per-week bracket, a figure both Arsenal and United consider realistic given his goal return and age profile.

Potential impact on Sporting CP

Sporting would lose their talisman but are already compiling a shortlist featuring Coventry’s Ellis Simms and Benfica’s Arthur Cabral. Amorim, pragmatic as ever, accepts that selling Viktor Gyokeres at peak value could bankroll reinforcements in midfield and at centre-back. The Lions are also confident their academy pipeline—Fatawu, Diogo Cabral and Rodrigo Ribeiro—can soften the blow long-term.

Opinion: Arsenal’s ball-dominant system appears tailor-made for Gyokeres’ channel running and rapid transitions, yet United’s desperate need for a consistent finisher might prompt a more aggressive bid. Either way, Sporting’s newest hero looks destined to thrill Premier League crowds next season.