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Viktor Gyokeres sends Arsenal perfect January transfer message as release clause hint dropped

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring a goal for Sporting
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)


Viktor Gyokeres has reminded Arsenal exactly why he was one of the most coveted players in the transfer window. The 26-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, but a move failed to materialise and he stayed at Sporting CP.

This season, Gyokeres has picked up from where he left; the Sweden international has featured five times in the Portuguese top flight, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. Playing a key role in Ruben Amorim's side, he's fired the Lions to the top of the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres been central to Sporting's success in Portugal, and now he's making an impact on the European stage too. The Swede marked his Champions League debut with a stunning strike in a 2-0 win over Lille, proving to Arsenal that he's cut out for the job.

He also extended his goalscoring streak to eight consecutive games. Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash, Gyokeres was asked whether or not he thinks his reported €100m (£84m) release clause is too high.

"Good question... I don't know," he replied. "I don't work for the club or am a businessman, I'm not up to speed on that. It's a lot, but I don’t want to go anywhere. I'm happy at Sporting, it's not a problem for me to stay. My value is my value. Let's see if something happens."

In an interview with Portuguese outlet Record earlier this month, the Sporting president justified Gyokeres' release clause. As quoted by the Metro, Frederico Varandas said: "A €100 million clause and whether it can be met depends on the player’s current situation, age, and whether there is more than one club in the running.

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"I’ve seen inferior players being transferred for over€100m, great players for under €100m. Sporting is happy to have Viktor and he is happy here. During the transfer market, there wasn’t a day without news saying that Viktor was leaving."

The Sporting president added: "The transfer market closed and these questions continue. But hey, we live with it and that’s how it will be. We have a strong team. Viktor knows that he is well supported by two stars like Pote (Pedro Gonçalves) and (Francisco) Trincão.

"Sporting has a highly valued group today. I don’t remember having such a valuable squad, in terms of assets. Now, if we are going to surpass our rivals, it will be on the pitch."

Gyokeres was also quizzed on his price tag in an interview with Swedish newspaper Sport Bladet earlier this month. This time, he conceded the release clause may actually be 'too much'.

"They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight," said Gyokeres. "That’s how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay. Of course you want to play at the highest level.

"It (release clause) 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… 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."