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BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Gyokeres behaviour - 'Not a problem' or 'unacceptable'?
Following recent rumours that Viktor Gyokeres has 'threatened to go on strike' to secure a move away from Sporting CP, we asked you if this behaviour would put you off signing him for are some of your comments:Nigel: If Gyokeres is doing that, it sends a message - he wants to play for a bigger club and he won't be held to ransom, ironically by holding his incumbent club to ransom. It also tells me he wants to be part of Arsenal and that's the kind of player we want - someone who will fight for the badge. I'd drive to Portugal to pick him up if it gets him here Never a good indicator of attitude for me and not an attitude of someone I'd want to see in an Arsenal shirt. Keep your head down, work hard and be confident that your football will do the talking for you and get you the rewards you It isn't a problem for Arsenal. They need to capitalise on this uncertainty and actually get the player. He is a better goal scorer than Sesko and that should be the priority of getting a striker. If he comes in and bangs in 20+ goals as a mercenary, then in a couple of years wants to move on that's fine. We need a trophy this year and he seems like the best way to get Apparently Trossard behaved similarly when trying to secure his move from Brighton, and has been an important member of the squad since. Personally, I wouldn't read too much into this kind of behaviour. Players do what they need to do to advance their The situation with Gyokeres is unacceptable. It's gone on far too long and if Arsenal were serious they would have tied up the deal by now. He has showed total disrespect to his club and I wouldn't want that sort of player at the Emirates. Move on and find another quality If he's had a verbal agreement with the club that they'll let him go this summer, then he's quite entitled to feel frustrated. They should let him go at a reasonable price.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Should Man Utd say 'thanks but no thanks' to Gyokeres?
Following recent rumours that Viktor Gyokeres has 'threatened to go on strike' to secure a move away from Sporting CP, we asked you if this behaviour would put you off signing him for Manchester are some of your comments:Stuart: United have had too many prima donnas recently who have disrupted the changing room. The last thing they need is another one, so I'd say 'thanks but no thanks' to his Too much player power and holding clubs to ransom, but if there was a gentleman's agreement between Sporting and Gyokeres then the chairman should uphold his side of the bargain and not try to squeeze more money out of the interested So we force players like Rashford and Sancho out of the club because of their diva like attitudes yet we are willing to spend £50m+ to sign a player who is threatening to throw his toys out of the pram? I would stay well clear if I was running I believe he was persuaded to stay last season on the 'gentleman's understanding' that he could leave for a lower fee than his release clause. If that is the case, and it is the club that are not honouring what they said, then why shouldn't he play hardball with them. What is he supposed to do? Just sit back and accept the club going back on their word? Yes, some players come across as unreasonable and arrogant, but this isn't the case Attitude is of course important - but it's not a fixed thing and can be coached. Two players spring to mind who were both feisty and had short fuses when they first arrived at the club - many times I had my head in my hands as they kicked off over some minor misdemeanour- their names were Rooney and Leave him alone. He's supposed to be a professional with a professional contract. If his agent failed to include a release clause set at a price that would interest top clubs that's down to the agent and himself. Footballers are only too happy to accept their contracts at the time. A contract is a contract.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres' team-mate gives telling transfer message as tensions rise
Arsenal and Man Utd target Viktor Gyokeres is said to have rejected the idea of holding a meeting at Sporting CP to discuss his future further, and one of his team-mates has shared his thoughts Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder has offered his thoughts on fellow frontman Viktor Gyokeres' ongoing transfer saga. Gyokeres, 27, has attracted plenty of attention following his prolific two-year spell in Portugal. Arsena l and Manchester United are each interested in the ex-Coventry City star, who has scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting. And Gyokeres' future has taken another recent twist after he reportedly rejected the chance to have clear-the-air talks with Sporting. It is claimed that the tension initially stemmed from the club demanding a higher fee than expected after promising to sell him this summer. It remains to be seen where Gyokeres will be playing his football next season, as Arsenal have also had their attention on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while United is not seen to be the preferred option for Gyokeres, despite Old Trafford being where his former manager at Sporting, Ruben Amorim, now resides. However, despite the transfer drama surrounding Gyokeres, it clearly does not concern his Sporting team-mate Harder, who is in fact relishing the chance to take his place next term. "Gyokeres? I'm not interested in any news,' Harder told Sport TV, as per Portuguese outlet A Bola. 'I am focusing on myself. I want to play. We'll see what happens. 'It's important for me to have minutes now. I was on the bench for a year, and I need to play. I think I'm ready, and we'll see. It will be good to have minutes. 'We will never forget what Viktor did at Sporting. Never! But I hope that the team and I can live up to the challenge. I'll do my best. I think I'm ready. 'I'm not ready to be the new Viktor; he's 27 years old, I'm 20... But I'm prepared to do what I'm best at. And we'll see what I can bring to the team. I want to stay at Sporting.' Harder spoke after scoring a brace for Denmark in their draw with Finland at the Under-21 Euros on Wednesday. The young forward will hope to keep his place for Denmark's quarter-final clash with France as he also seeks to prove he can fill the potential void left by Gyokeres at Sporting. "I can use this tournament to gain some form. I haven't played that much in the last four or five months, so having game minutes is incredible,' Harder explained. 'I think I've already proven to many people that I'm ready to play, but I want to prove a little more that I'm ready to play.' Harder was forced to be back-up to Gyokeres after arriving from Nordsjaelland last summer, but he made the most of his limited time on the pitch. He ended the season with 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, despite only making 21 starts, as Sporting won the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal. Meanwhile, Gyokeres, who is currently on holiday in Saint Tropez, recently dismissed the noise around his future. Posting on his Instagram story, the striker wrote: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right." However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has spoken openly about Gyokeres' situation. Varandas defended the club's position and explained that Sporting are yet to receive an offer for their talisman. 'One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me,' Varandas said, as per Portuguese outlet Record. "I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. 'This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season." He added: "I think it's fair to explain the whole process. The process started last year when the season ended, Sporting were champions and had a fantastic season. During the transfer window we realised that Viktor was going to stay at Sporting because we didn't receive a single offer for him. "When the season started, the agent approached Hugo Viana several times, asking if we could add an extra fee to the contract if he scored 'x' goals; I gave Viana the opportunity to negotiate, within reason." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal pundit insists Mikel Arteta 'should have signed Chelsea star for £40m'
Perry Groves believes Arsenal missed a trick by not signing Liam Delap ahead of Chelsea. Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer and have already held talks with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyokeres and with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea, meanwhile, won the race with Manchester United to sign Liam Delap, who had a £30 million relegation clause in his deal with Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old made his debut for Chelsea as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC in the opening game of their Club World Cup campaign. And former Arsenal midfielder Groves believes Arsenal should have made a move for Chelsea's new striker in the January transfer window. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'The big talking point is about Liam Delap,' Groves told talkSPORT. 'I said, 'why is he still on the bench, why haven't you bought him on at the start of the second half?'. 'He made your team look different just by his movement, the first bit of action he had he went long, came short, then he span. 'The midfield players know straight away his movement is excellent. His movement for Enzo Fernandez's goal is outstanding, and the cross into the six-yard-box was perfect, and when you see the replay he's put swazz on it. 'I think he's going to make a massive difference to Chelsea, and I said that Arsenal should have bought him in January for £40m. 'He's got a bit of edge you want in a centre-forward. He's got a bit of an edge about him, when you sign for a new club, he's a big signing, he's a young player, he scored goals for Ipswich last season, you're on trial. 'Your first training session, they [Delap's Chelsea teammates] are looking at you thinking, 'are you as good as you think you are?'. 'He has just gone in there and looks like he's settled. The way he's come on in the second half is like, 'I'm going to be centre-forward'. 'But what that does for the rest of the team, if you Caicedo, Fernandez, Lavia, Neto, Cole Palmer… it gives you more belief because you actually thinking when you get the ball you know someone is going to make those runs and spin, they know they've got a presence in the box. 'The only thing they're going to have to get used to is when it's in the wide areas, especially when it goes to Madueke, Neto not so much, you're going to have to get the ball in the box a lot earlier. He's going to be demanding crosses come into the box. 'But to come on for that cameo appearance, he did have a massive impact, not just with his assist but with his general play, his hold up play, spinning in behind, he'll know after, 'I've proved to the players I belong here', even in that little bit of time.' Meanwhile, Jason Cundy believes the arrival of Delap at Chelsea will finally provide the competition that Nicolas Jackson has needed. 'Jackson… he's a bit hit and miss at times,' Cundy said. More Trending 'There's a lot to improve on, a huge amount to improve on, there's a lot to like but there's more to come, there has to be more to come. 'What we've seen of Jackson is not enough. We've seen glimpses, there's lot to like, there's more to improve on than like in my opinion. 'But there's something there. Competition… every top club has to have competition, without any competition you're not going to be at your very best. 'And I think Jackson has been let down slightly by Chelsea because there hasn't been that competition.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard backed for Premier League job MORE: 'He's not been linked' – Troy Deeney tells Arsenal to explore shock move for Premier League forward MORE: Marcus Rashford next club odds: Serie A could beckon as Barcelona cool interest in Manchester United outcast
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal hesitate while rivals secure top targets ahead of deadline
Arsenal's Summer Drift: Quiet Moves, Loud Questions It has been another week of waiting in North London, a period defined not by signings or statements, but by the absence of them. Arsenal, touted as Premier League title contenders for a second consecutive summer, are once again caught between what they are supposed to be and what they actually are — a club with clear ambition but little visible movement. Advertisement This is not necessarily a cause for panic. It is, however, cause for scrutiny. Lack of urgency around striker targets Arsenal have made no significant progress in their pursuit of a new striker, despite having known for months that this was a pressing need. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres remain the top options. Photo: IMAGO Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has made his position clear. In quotes carried by Record, Varandas said, 'We said two things (at the start of the season): that we would not demand €100million and that the value would depend on the performance of Viktor.' The performance in question? Sixty-three goals and 17 assists for club and country. 'Even then, Sporting will not demand his release clause. But people should know that threats, blackmail and insults will not work with me,' he added. 'He won't leave here for €60million plus €10m in add-ons.' Photo IMAGO Advertisement This kind of public standoff may deter Arsenal, or at least offer them a convenient exit route. But the larger question is why a club so obviously in need of a striker still has nothing to show for its efforts weeks into the window. Missed chances on wide targets While Arsenal's striker shortlist stagnates, options in wide areas have also been slipping through their fingers. There were talks with Leroy Sane, but as The Athletic report, the German is now on the verge of joining Galatasaray. Photo: IMAGO Sverre Nypan, the Norwegian teenager once admired at London Colney, is set to join Manchester City. Neither were essential targets, but both signings would have represented the type of strategic depth Arsenal still lack when compared with their rivals. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Instead, the attention is now on more established and expensive names. Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon are both of interest, but neither will come cheap. Rodrygo, in particular, would be a statement addition, though the feasibility of such a deal in a market where Arsenal have historically operated with caution feels doubtful. Photo IMAGO Balancing depth and ambition There is a sense, once again, that Arsenal are trapped in the in-between. Not quite title-ready, but not quite rebuilding either. Mikel Arteta wants another central defender, ideally one who can rotate with Gabriel and Saliba. Marc Guehi is admired, but the prospect of him accepting a squad role seems unlikely. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Similarly, if Thomas Partey's contract is not renewed, Arsenal may move for another midfielder. But again, there is no clear succession plan in place, and no sign that such a move is imminent. Partey himself seemed resigned to the situation when speaking to TV3 Ghana: 'I'm an Arsenal fan, I can't decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. I just want to enjoy football.' Photo IMAGO In a week where Reiss Nelson could be heading back to Fulham and the window is open for business, Arsenal's outgoings seem more likely than incomings. Planning versus execution Arsenal's activity, or lack thereof, speaks to a familiar theme. The plans are always coherent. The strategy is evident. But the execution remains cautious, sometimes excessively so. Advertisement The interest in players like Rodrygo or Gyokeres points to ambition. But without decisive movement, that ambition risks being interpreted as something more hollow. Football, particularly at the elite end, rarely waits for anyone. If Arsenal's primary targets continue to drift elsewhere, the pressure will mount — not just on Arteta, but on the entire recruitment structure at the Emirates. Our View – EPL Index Analysis There is an eerie sense of déjà vu here. Another summer, another window full of interest, admiration, and assessment, but no arrivals. Arsenal supporters are constantly told to trust the process, to believe in the long-term vision. But when their top striker targets have yet to receive any form of an offer and they're losing out on fringe targets like Nypan and Sane without batting an eyelid, it starts to feel like more than just prudence. It feels like hesitation. The quotes from Sporting's president make one thing clear — this will not be a straightforward deal. But is Arsenal's reluctance financial, strategic, or just fear of failure? Arsenal talk about going to the next level, but actions speak louder than briefings. Rodrygo sounds exciting, but does anyone believe Real Madrid will let him go without a fee that borders on absurd? And even if they do, do Arsenal have the ruthlessness to get the deal done before someone else swoops in?
