Viktor Gyokeres’ agent has hit out at Sporting Lisbon in an explosive rant following the striker’s move to Arsenal.
After another free-scoring season in Portugal that saw him lead Sporting to league title success, Gyokeres was linked with a move to several top European clubs this summer.
Despite emerging as the leading contenders to land Gyokeres in the transfer market, Arsenal’s pursuit of the 27-year-old proved to be far from straightforward.
With personal terms between player and club agreed, negotiations between the two clubs stalled, with Gyokeres reportedly failing to report for the club’s pre-season training camp in a bid to force a move.
The strike prompted Sporting president Frederico Varandas to threaten to fine Gyokeres and keep him at the club for the remainder of his contract.
While the deal was ultimately completed after weeks of speculation, the protracted saga surrounding the move has clearly left a bad impression on Gyokeres’ representation.
Speaking following Gyokeres’ move to north London, the player’s co-agent, Jonathan Chalkias accused Sporting of deliberately convoluting his departure.
‘If Hugo Viana [former Sporting director of football] were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done in an hour,’ Chalkias told WTV.
‘Everything was written, but we didn’t have time to start a legal battle. I don’t understand how a player who scored so many goals and won three trophies didn’t deserve more respect.
‘This industry is about trusting people. The sacrifices we made were probably the turning point in getting the deal done.’
As negotiations between the Gunners and Sporting neared breaking point, reports suggested that Manchester United could look to hijack the deal.
However, Chalkias clarified that his client was only ever heading to the Emirates this summer.
‘They offered him to Real Madrid, he made headlines with Real Madrid and even [Manchester] United, but from day one there was a commitment to Arsenal.
‘Viktor always trusted Hasan Cetinkaya’s project: they agreed to go to a league with less exposure, like Portugal, to win titles and get back to the Premier League.’
With the move finally over the line, Gyokeres was officially unveiled to supporters prior to Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle on Sunday.
Gyokeres walked out to a thunderous reception before kick-off, waving to thousands of excited fans, some of whom already had his name and number printed on the back of their replica shirts.
One even held up a homemade sign reading: ‘WELCOME GYOKERES’, while multiple Sweden flags were spotted among the crowd.
Many fans were also seen mimicking Gyokeres by using their hands to perform his trademark ‘mask’ celebration.
Arsenal confirmed the 27-year-old will wear the No 14 shirt for the coming campaign, previously worn by club greats such as Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
