Real Madrid Pass on Arsenal Target Gyokeres as £60m Transfer Row Erupts

Sporting President Blasts “Threats and Blackmail” Amid Striker’s Record-Breaking Season

In a dramatic twist to this summer’s transfer saga, Real Madrid have surprisingly backed away from pursuing Arsenal’s top striker target Viktor Gyokeres – despite the Swedish forward’s astonishing 54-goal season for Sporting Lisbon.

The 27-year-old’s dream move now hangs in the balance as a bitter war of words erupts between his representatives and Sporting’s furious president Frederico Varandas, who has publicly denied the existence of a £60m “gentleman’s agreement” for the striker’s departure.

“He Won’t Leave For €60m” – Sporting’s Defiant Stance

Varandas launched an extraordinary tirade against Gyokeres’ agent, telling reporters: “Threats, blackmail and insults won’t work with me. I can guarantee one thing – Viktor won’t leave here for €60m plus add-ons.” The Sporting chief pointed to the striker’s historic campaign – 63 goal contributions across club and country – as justification for demanding far more than the reported Arsenal offer.

Madrid’s decision to pass on Gyokeres comes despite admirers at the Bernabeu, with The Athletic revealing the Spanish giants consider his price tag excessive for a backup role behind Kylian Mbappé. Their search continues for an aerial specialist to replace departed veteran Joselu.

Gyokeres Breaks Silence Amid Transfer Chaos

The striker himself took to Instagram to address mounting speculation: “There’s a lot of talk at the moment – most of it false. I will speak when the time is right.” His carefully worded statement comes amid reports he could force a move, though Arsenal are reportedly exploring alternatives like Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins.

As the standoff continues, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has teased fans about imminent “big” signings. But with Sporting digging their heels in and Madrid now out of the picture, Arsenal may need to break their transfer record again to land their man – or risk being priced out of a deal for one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen.

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