Gyokeres transfer 'lie' shut down by Jose Mourinho as he gives Arsenal verdict
Arsenal are close to completing a blockbuster deal for Sweden and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with former Premier League manager Jose Mourinho offering his verdict on the transfer
Jose Mourinho has lavished praise on Viktor Gyokeres ahead of his imminent switch to Arsenal. The Gunners are on the verge of landing the superstar Swede as they near a £63.5million agreement with Sporting CP.
It's understood that £55m of that fee will be paid up front, with a further £8.5m agreed in add-ons. While Arsenal chiefs worked to seal the move, Sporting reportedly continued to receive enquiries from other interested parties.
Manchester United were among the clubs showing interest, as were sides in the Saudi Pro League. However, Gyokeres had one clear preference: to sign for Arsenal.
Once everything is finalised, Gyokeres will complete a medical assessment before linking up with the first team squad, who are currently in Singapore on the first leg of their pre-season tour of Asia. The 27-year-old, who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, is one of the most sought-after forwards in the world, and it looks like Arsenal have won the race of this signature.
In an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola this week, Mourinho was asked for his opinion on Gyokeres' impending move to the Emirates Stadium. The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager set aside club rivalries to commend the Arsenal-bound goalscorer, calling him "a great player".
However, he also suggested that Gyokeres might find things a little tougher in the Premier League than in Portugal's Primeira Liga, particularly since Arsenal won't necessarily be building their team around him like Sporting did.
"Sporting had a way of playing that was very much based on him or adapted to him," Mourinho added. "I don't know what [former Sporting boss] Ruben Amorim's initial thinking was. But he's a player with great potential, and it's clear that in England he'll play against stronger teams and better players."
The Special One, now managing Turkish giants Fenerbahce, took the opportunity to playfully dismiss rumours linking his team with Gyokeres, confirming that no such signing was ever on the cards.
"Unfortunately, of the 3,400 lies that have already been told about the market, it's a lie that he's going to Fenerbahce, unfortunately," he said. "So many lies, so much interest, so many people working for businessmen, for clubs, it's a war that's not mine."
After five trophyless years and a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League, Arsenal are making a significant push in the transfer market to finally turn their fortunes around.
Once Gyokeres completes his move, the club's summer spending will surge past the £180million mark – and is expected to approach £200m once the signing of defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has flown to Asia to join the squad, is officially confirmed.
Arsenal have already strengthened both in quality and depth. Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have been brought in to bolster the midfield, while Noni Madueke adds another option on the wings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also arrived to provide backup for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Norgaard made his Arsenal debut in the club's pre-season opener against AC Milan on Wednesday, lining up in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri. Zubimendi and Arrizabalaga were named among the substitutes.
Madueke, meanwhile, did not travel to Asia, having been granted rest following his involvement with Chelsea at the Club World Cup. He is expected to join the squad when they return to the UK next month.
Following their clash with Milan, Arsenal will take on Newcastle on July 27 and Tottenham on July 31 before returning to London. They will then host Villarreal at the Emirates on August 6, and conclude their pre-season preparations with a match against Athletic Club at the same venue three days later.
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