Viktor Gyokeres’ £64million Arsenal switch has reportedly been linked to a taking pictures and blackmail plot in Sweden.
Police are investigating why two gun photographs have been fired on the residence of a relative of one among Gyokeres’ brokers in Huddinge, close to Stockholm, in accordance with Swedish outlet ETC.
There are suspicions that the weekend taking pictures was linked to Gyokeres’ transfer after the relative apparently bragged about receiving a slice of the money.
Gyokeres was on the coronary heart of one of many summer season’s largest switch sagas, which ended with Mikel Arteta lastly touchdown his man from Sporting Lisbon.
It was additionally probably the most poisonous episodes of the summer season, with Gyokeres refusing to attend pre-season coaching with Sporting, and Sporting president Frederico Varandas insisting that ‘no one is above the pursuits of the membership’ as he drove a tough discount.
Now, in accordance with The Sun, investigators ponder whether Gyokeres’ agent’s member of the family was being ‘pressured for cash’ in a sick blackmail bid and tried homicide in his homeland.
Viktor Gyokeres’ £64m Arsenal switch has reportedly been linked to a taking pictures in Sweden
Two gunshots have been fired on the residence of one of many striker’s agent’s family – who had reportedly ‘bragged’ about receiving money from the deal’s fee charge (photograph from 2024)
The saga between Arsenal and Sporting was probably the most poisonous and drawn-out this 12 months
A consultant for the striker mentioned: ‘It’s a very susceptible trade the place issues like this sadly happen.
‘This taking pictures has nothing to do with me or soccer.’
Coincidentally, Sporting president Varandas mentioned earlier this summer season that ‘blackmail and insults’ wouldn’t persuade them to promote Gyokeres.
On the time and with the context by which he was talking, he had appeared to say that in reference to Arsenal and Manchester United’s pursuits of the 27-year-old.
Varandas insisted they’d not settle for an insultingly low supply – although he wouldn’t push for the total £84m launch clause within the striker’s contract.
He mentioned in June: ‘I attempted to take three days off, I got here again yesterday. I noticed a lot data and counter-information that it is just truthful to come back and clarify the method.
‘It began final 12 months, when the season ended and Sporting turned nationwide champions. Throughout the switch market we noticed that he was going to remain as a result of there was no supply.
‘The agent spoke to us so as to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he all the time did, and really effectively, managed the connection with the brokers. This relational house is established with the sports activities director.
Sporting Lisbon Frederico president mentioned earlier this summer season that ‘blackmail and insults’ wouldn’t persuade them to promote Gyokeres – in a seemingly unrelated remark
‘One of many agent’s largest issues was whether or not we might demand the termination clause. Hugo Viana negotiated with the brokers over a number of conferences till the agent demanded the presence of the president.
‘At this assembly, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not current. He needed to ensure sure issues. And what was agreed? That Sporting wouldn’t demand a launch clause now. For one purpose: he was going to be 27 years outdated and no participant leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million euros.
‘In that very same assembly, the agent needed to anchor the exit to a worth. I mentioned this sentence: ‘It is not price us setting a worth as a result of I do not know what is going to occur in a 12 months’s time. I do not know if it is going to be 40, 60 or 80. What I can assure is that I cannot demand 100 million euros. From then on, I by no means spoke to the agent once more, I by no means spoke to the participant about departures or values.
‘Now I see the agent within the press releasing data. I need to make one factor clear: Sporting has frequent sense and retains its phrase. Gyokeres scored 63 objectives and 10 assists. Improbable efficiency. Actually among the best gamers to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting is not going to demand the clause.
‘Now blackmail and insults, Sporting is not going to settle for. One factor is definite: Sporting is not going to settle for 60 million plus 10 [in add-ons]. As of at present, Sporting has not obtained any proposal for Gyokeres.’
Arsenal hope Gyokeres would be the striker they’ve been ready for after years with no devoted quantity 9.
The striker can be anticipated to hit the bottom operating after two excellent seasons with Sporting which noticed him rating 97 objectives.
