Gyokeres to Arsenal takes new twist and Man City chief could play decisive role

Viktor Gyokeres is doing all he can to push through a move to Arsenal despite interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United but it appears that Manchester City could also have a big say
A leaked voice note from Manchester City chief Hugo Viana could finally push through Viktor Gyokeres ' 'dream' move to Arsenal. The Sporting Lisbon star is right at the top of the Gunners' transfer shopping list.
Mikel Arteta 's side have already lodged a bid worth €55m (£47m) plus a potential further €10m (£8.5m) but that was rejected by Sporting. And since then, there has practically been silence from North London, with Arsenal's pursuit being put on ice amid interest in alternative forward Benjamin Sesko.
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The same cannot be said of Gyokeres' camp and Sporting Lisbon, however. The striker reportedly threatened to go on strike to force through an exit after believing that Sporting had changed the terms of his departure, while he also turned down clear-the-air talks with his current employers.
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But it now appears that Gyokers' agent would be willing to leak private talks with ex-Sporting and current Man City chief Hugo Viana to facilitate an exit. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokores' agent Hasan Çetinkaya has evidence that backs up his side of the story.
He reportedly has a voice note from Viana agreeing to sell the striker for €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£51m plus £8.5m), following a meeting that was held on September 19 last year. Sporting president Federico Varandas has already given his take on the talks between Viana, Gyokeres and Cetinkaya.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: "The agent spoke to us to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he always did, and very well, managed the relationship with the agents. This relational space is established with the sports director.
"One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause. Hugo Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings until the agent demanded the presence of the president.
"At this meeting, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not present. He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million euros.
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Where do you think Gyokeres will go? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"In that same meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value. I said this sentence: 'It's not worth us setting a value because I don't know what will happen in a year's time. I don't know if it will be 40, 60 or 80. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100 million euros. From then on, I never spoke to the agent again, I never spoke to the player about departures or values.
"Now I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
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"Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres."
Record's report further details that Gyokeres is willing to wait for what is his 'dream' move to Arsenal. He currently remains on holiday as the transfer saga continues.
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Nicolas Jackson apologises for sending off against Flamengo

North Wales Chronicle

an hour ago

North Wales Chronicle

Nicolas Jackson apologises for sending off against Flamengo

The 24-year-old was sent off for raking his studs down the shin of Lucas Ayrton just four minutes after coming on as Enzo Maresca's side collapsed in the second half. 'I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down,' said Jackson, who was sent off against Newcastle in their third-last Premier League match. 68' You can't script Jackson subbed on… and sent off 4 minutes later 🟥😱 Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLACHE — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025 'Another red card… And honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. 'I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a moment in football that went the wrong way. 'No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. 'Sorry. Sorry, Sorry.' When Maresca was asked about Jackson's challenge and his recent indiscipline he told DAZN: 'It was a red card, so nothing to say.' However, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella admitted it was something the 24-year-old had to improve. 'He is young player, he has a lot of quality, he maybe needs to improve this a little bit. We are here to improve, we are not perfect so it is part of the game,' he said. The Blues were leading through Pedro Neto's 13th-minute strike but after second-half goals from Bruno Henrique and Danilo in quick succession Jackson saw red and Wallace Yan scored the Brazil side's third. Maresca put the damaging defeat down to 'trying something new' for next season. 65' ABSOLUTE SCENES: Danilo scores and @Flamengo_en complete their comeback under just 3 minutes 😱 Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLACHE — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025 'It completely changed the game. Unfortunately we conceded two goals in a short moment and then the red card and then I think it is complicated to get back into the game,' the Chelsea boss added. 'We tried – but congratulations to them. They deserved to win. 'We tried to do something different in the game, for next season and for the future.'