Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim has disclosed that striker Viktor Gyökeres’ attitude has noticeably changed since the club prevented his potential transfer to Arsenal.
In a recent press conference, Amorim openly discussed the situation, revealing that the Swedish forward no longer appears fully committed to the team following the failed move.
“The player’s behavior has changed since we blocked his move to Arsenal.
I have already informed Arteta that they should sign him as soon as possible because he is no longer dedicated to the team,” Amorim stated.
Reports indicate that Gyökeres has also been absent from several training sessions in the aftermath of the halted transfer.
His absence has fueled speculation that he may be pushing for a move away from the Portuguese club, particularly as Arsenal continues to monitor his situation closely.
Arsenal’s Interest in Gyökeres Remains Strong
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long been an admirer of Gyökeres, and sources suggest that the 25-year-old forward is eager to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The latest developments in Lisbon may accelerate discussions between Arsenal and Sporting CP, as the Portuguese side could now be more willing to negotiate a transfer.
The Gunners are in the market for attacking reinforcements, and Gyökeres has been on their radar due to his impressive performances in Portugal.
He has been a key figure for Sporting CP, contributing significantly with goals and assists.
However, if his commitment to the team is now in question, the club might prefer to offload him rather than keep a potentially unhappy player in their squad.
Players Forcing Transfers – A Familiar Story
Gyökeres’ reported refusal to train in response to his blocked transfer is not an uncommon tactic in football.
Players have, on numerous occasions, opted to withdraw from team activities to pressure their clubs into allowing them to leave.
One notable example is former Arsenal defender David Luiz, who refused to train with Chelsea’s first team in an attempt to force through a transfer to the Gunners.
Eventually, Chelsea sanctioned his departure, allowing him to complete his move to North London.
If Gyökeres follows a similar path, it could put additional pressure on Sporting CP to reconsider their stance on his transfer.
With Arsenal keen to strengthen their attacking options, this situation will likely unfold quickly in the coming weeks.
Arsenal Fans Hopeful for a Resolution
As speculation around Gyökeres’ future intensifies, Arsenal supporters remain optimistic that their club can finalize a deal for the Swedish international.
His potential arrival would provide Arteta with a valuable attacking option ahead of the new season.
With Amorim publicly acknowledging the player’s change in attitude and Arsenal already interested, it now appears a matter of when—rather than if—negotiations resume.
The coming days could prove decisive in determining whether Gyökeres will be wearing an Arsenal shirt next season.
