Viktor Gyokeres breaks silence amid £69m Arsenal transfer wait with message to key Gunners trio

Talks between Arsenal and Sporting CP are set to reignite football.london understands as the pair look to find an agreement on Viktor Gyokeres’ future. The striker has not returned for training after reportedly telling club president Frederico Varandas that he would not play for the side again – he wants to join Arsenal.

Suggestions are a deal around 80million (£69million) is hoped to be struck between the clubs. Negotiations however have been at a stalemate on how the deal should be structured with the Liga Portugal club wanting more than the Gunners are offering as part of the guaranteed fee.

Amid all the noise surrounding Gyokeres’ future, the Swede has taken the time to speak with French outlet L’Equipe in an exclusive interview regarding a number of topics. However, there were some poignant questions which made plenty of references to his potential new club.

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Asked about his future and the potential of leaving, he opted to remain relatively coy on the matter despite all the noise and claims being made. He said about leaving: “Maybe.

“That's football, you never know. I don't think about it; we'll see what happens.

“If something happens, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.”

Arsenal are considered to be his dream destination and their work on the move has put them firmly in the lead to sign the player despite so far no joy with the Portuguese club. Asked about the potential move to the Premier League he said, “It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

“I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it's something I'd like to do. It would be a great revenge!”

Although he stopped short of mentioning Arsenal in glowing terms to hint at a move, he did take the time to mention three Arsenal players in particular however, including one he has a comical history with. Making reference to the meeting between Arsenal and Sporting in the Champions League, he has not forgotten his two opponents.

“Yes, definitely,” he said when asked if any players had impressed him. “Especially at English clubs.

“Midfielders like Bernardo Silva, [Mateo] Kovacic at City, or [Bukayo] Saka at Arsenal are impressive to watch. I've also faced some very high-level defenders, like (the Gunners') Gabriel [Magalhaes] and [William] Saliba. It's a blessing to play against those kinds of players.”

When Arsenal beat Sporting 5-1 in their own ground, Gyokeres caught the eye for a run which took on both Gabriel and Saliba, beating them for pace and strength before firing a shot which cannoned off the upright. It was a show of his talents even with his side trailing so bad.

Gabriel managed to score in that game and in response celebrated which a version of Gyokeres’ Bane mask pose except covering his eyes instead of his mouth. Asked about the celebration, Gyokeres made reference to the incident and made light of it, even admitting he thought it was in good jest.

“It was during the 2022 World Cup. Sweden didn't qualify, so I went on vacation with some friends. They told me they were tired of seeing me change my celebration for every goal, that I had to find my own, my signature.

“After a while, I tried this one. Everyone loved it. Since then, I've done it for every goal.

“Lots of people have reproduced it, it's cool! Even though some have done it against me [referring to Gabriel], in truth, I just find it funny.”

Could Gabriel and Gyokeres soon be on the same team? The striker it appears certainly hopes so as the club aim to find an agreement and make the move a reality.