SWEDE ON THE MENU: Man Utd and Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres’ uncle reveals transfer decision after big family dinner

Viktor Gyokeres, one of the most prolific strikers in European football, has been at the center of intense transfer speculation, with Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal both keen to bring the Swedish forward to England. But now, a surprise twist in the transfer saga has emerged — from none other than Gyokeres’ own family.

In the wake of Sporting Lisbon’s recent title celebrations, Gyokeres’ uncle dropped a bombshell that could reshape the summer transfer market. During a heartfelt interview after Sporting’s 2-0 win over Vitoria on the final day of the Liga Portugal season, Chris — Gyokeres’ uncle — revealed that the family had held a “big dinner” the night before, where they collectively decided that Viktor should stay in Lisbon for another season.

“I’m super happy,” Chris said, donning a Sporting Lisbon scarf and beaming with pride. “It’s amazing — the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Beyond words. Yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay. We think so. We hope so. We love it here — the country, the people, and especially Sporting. And the Lions.”

While his uncle’s words suggest a strong family leaning toward remaining in Portugal, Gyokeres himself was far more diplomatic. When asked about his future, the Swedish international simply responded: “We’ll see. It’s the future. Football is like that, you never know what’s going to happen.”

Gyokeres has been nothing short of phenomenal since arriving at Sporting from Coventry City for £16.8 million. After scoring 43 goals in his debut season, he managed an astonishing 53 goals in 51 appearances this campaign, bringing his total tally to 96 goals in just 101 games for the Portuguese club.

It’s little wonder, then, that Arsenal and Manchester United have both made the 26-year-old their top summer target. Mikel Arteta sees Gyokeres as the missing piece of his attacking puzzle — a genuine number nine who can finish chances and link up play. With Alexander Isak proving difficult to pry away from Newcastle, Gyokeres is considered a more attainable option, with a £60 million price tag.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are still seeking to rectify their £72 million investment in Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled to deliver the kind of goal-scoring form expected of a frontman at Old Trafford. With United missing out on Champions League football again after a crushing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, their chances of luring Gyokeres may now have taken a major hit.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s desperation for a clinical finisher, the allure of Champions League football, which Arsenal can offer, may tilt the scales. That said, Gyokeres’ words — or lack thereof — suggest he is still weighing his options.

Sporting Lisbon are said to be open to a potential sale if a club meets their valuation. Their financial stability and ability to attract talent largely depend on cashing in on top players at the right moment. However, keeping Gyokeres for another year would strengthen their position in Europe and offer a chance to build on their domestic success.

Viktor’s family support and emotional connection to Lisbon could be pivotal. Sporting has embraced him, and his personal life off the pitch — including glamorous travels and a well-documented relationship with a fellow footballer-actress — reflects a comfort level in Portugal that isn’t easy to leave behind.

The decision also comes at a time when both Arsenal and Manchester United are undergoing major transitions. Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title again, and pressure is mounting on Arteta to deliver silverware next season. United, on the other hand, are facing internal restructuring and financial constraints under new ownership, with several players expected to depart.

There is also the question of how Gyokeres himself views the Premier League. His coy response when asked if he likes London — “It’s the future… football is like that” — gave little away. It’s clear the striker is keeping his cards close to his chest.

What is certain is that any club wishing to sign Gyokeres will need to act quickly, decisively, and with the financial muscle to match Sporting’s valuation. The longer he remains in Lisbon without formal offers, the more likely it is that the Gyokeres family’s dinner-table decision becomes a reality.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have scouted Gyokeres extensively, and any hesitation now could see one of Europe’s hottest properties slip through their fingers. With the Euros on the horizon, a strong showing for Sweden could further inflate his value and attract competition from beyond England.

For now, Sporting fans can breathe a little easier. Their star striker, backed by his family and loved by the fans, looks set to stay — at least for now. But in football, things can change overnight, especially when top Premier League clubs come knocking.

As the summer window edges closer, the ball remains in Gyokeres’ court — and the family dinner may be just one chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling transfer sagas of the year.