A representative of new Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has blasted Sporting CP for a lack of “respect” towards the Sweden international during tense negotiations this summer, admitting the Portuguese side even tried to sell him to Real Madrid instead.
Widespread reports for the majority of the 2024–25 season discussed a gentleman’s agreement for Sporting to facilitate an exit for Gyökeres this summer but, when club president Frederico Varandas insisted such a deal did not exist, it sparked lengthy, uncomfortable negotiations which includes accusations of blackmail and the threat of a strike from Gyökeres to force through a move to Arsenal.
