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- Mourinho says Gyokeres will face tougher test in England
- Portuguese also called Fenerbahce rumours a "lie"
- Arsenal to complete £64m transfer for Swedish striker
Speaking to Channel 11 in Portugal, the Fenerbahce manager took a swipe at the transfer chaos surrounding the Swedish striker’s move to Arsenal. The former Chelsea and Manchester متحد manager admitted Gyokeres is a “great player” but expressed his doubts over whether he will adapt to the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز after thriving in a system tailored for him at Sporting CP.
The 27-year-old forward reportedly went on strike earlier this month, refusing to report for pre-season training in an attempt to force his exit from the Portuguese club. His relationship with Sporting president Frederico Varandas turned sour over a supposed gentleman’s agreement that would allow him to leave for far less than his €100 million release clause.
It got to a point where both parties were threatening to file a legal suit. However, after weeks of speculation and interest from clubs, including United, the saga finally ended with Arsenal reaching an agreement worth £64m ($86m) with Sporting.
Mourinho believes the Swedish forward will not find it easy in the Premier League as he will be up against stronger teams.
“He’s a great player. I have no doubt,” he said. “But Sporting had a way of playing very much around him, very adapted. I don’t know what Hugo Viana and Ruben [Amorim] initially thought; he’s a player with great potential. But in England, he’ll play against stronger teams, better players. Unfortunately, of the 3,400 lies that have been told about the transfer market, one of them is that he’s going to Fenerbahçe. Unfortunately… So many lies, so much interest, so many people working for agents, for clubs… It’s a war that’s not my own.”
Gyokeres is expected to be formally announced as a Gunner in the coming days. The 27-year-old will be Mikel Arteta’s fifth signing of the summer. The club has already brought in Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke. Arsenal are currently in Hong Kong for a pre-season friendly against AC Milan, which will be played on Wednesday.
