3 weeks ago
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Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres admits his €100million (£84m) release clause likely discouraged the likes of Arsenal from signing him this summer.
The Sweden international enjoyed a sublime 2023-24 season in the Portuguese capital following his move from Coventry City, scoring 43 goals and laying on 15 assists in 50 appearances.
He has continued that magnificent form this season with seven goals in the first four games of the new Portuguese campaign.
Gyokeres was among the forward options considered at Arsenal this summer alongside Alaxander Isak and Benjamin Sesko with Raheem Sterling eventually arriving on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
Chelsea have also been credited with interest in the forward, submitting an offer worth £73m including bonuses which was rejected by Sporting in January.
Gyokeres, 26, has joined up with the Sweden team ahead of Nations League matches against Estonia and Slovakia and addressed his future for the first time since the closure of the summer transfer window.
He admitted his huge release clause was probably ‘too much’ and while he is happy at Sporting, suggested he will consider a move in the future.
‘They [Sporting] wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight. That’s how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very well, so for me it was no problem to stay,’ he told Aftonbladet.
‘It was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens next window.’
He continued: ‘Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. So yes, that’s probably why there was simply no move.
‘But that’s what Sporting thinks I’m worth, and then you have to respect that.’
‘I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can’t complain about anything, so it’s absolutely no problem for me to stay. Of course you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress.’
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