Jose Mourinho has praised Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the Swedish striker's anticipated move to Arsenal, dismissing transfer rumours linking him with Fenerbahce as 'lies'. The Gunners are nearing a £63.5 million agreement with Sporting CP, with £55 million paid upfront and £8.5 million in add-ons.
Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, has made Arsenal his preferred destination despite interest from Manchester United and Saudi Pro League clubs. Once the deal is finalised, he will undergo a medical before joining the squad on their pre-season tour in Asia.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Mourinho described Gyokeres as 'a great player' but cautioned that he may find the Premier League more challenging than Portugal's Primeira Liga. 'Sporting had a way of playing that was very much based on him,' Mourinho said. 'In England, he'll play against stronger teams and better players.'
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager also joked about the transfer speculation surrounding his own club. 'Of the 3,400 lies that have already been told about the market, it's a lie that he's going to Fenerbahce,' he added.
Arsenal's summer spending is set to exceed £180 million, with the Gyokeres deal pushing it towards £200 million once defender Cristhian Mosquera's signing is confirmed. The club has already added Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga to their ranks.
Norgaard made his debut in Arsenal's pre-season opener against AC Milan, while Madueke was granted rest after the Club World Cup. The squad will face Newcastle, Tottenham, Villarreal, and Athletic Club in further friendlies before the season begins.
