Arsenal’s hopes of landing top striker Viktor Gyökeres may be reignited in January, as the Sporting CP forward has hinted that a move could be on the cards during the winter window.

The 26-year-old, who was previously linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, and other top clubs, admitted that his £85 million release clause might have been a sticking point for a summer move, stating, “It was probably a bit too much… But we’ll see what happens next window.”

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024.(Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024.(Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Sporting were keen to retain Gyökeres after his sensational season last year, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 games, helping the Portuguese club clinch the league title.

However, Gyökeres acknowledged the hefty fee placed on him might have cooled interest this summer: “They wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight… But I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me, it was no problem to stay.”

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres runs with the ball during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres runs with the ball during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite enjoying his time in Lisbon, the Swede left the door open for a potential move in 2025, particularly with clubs like Arsenal still monitoring his situation. His form this season has been electric, scoring seven goals in five games for Sporting (with three assists) and continuing his dominance in front of goal for Sweden, scoring in their recent 3-0 win over Azerbaijan.

“Of course. You want to play at the highest level,” he said. “It (his £85m release clause) was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens next window.

“Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. That’s probably why there was simply no move. But that’s what Sporting thinks I’m worth, and then you have to respect that. I enjoy myself very much in Sporting.”

Arsenal, looking to strengthen their attack, could make a move in January.

With Mikel Arteta eager to find a reliable striker to support Gabriel Jesus, the 26-year-old Gyökeres would offer the firepower and versatility needed to compete across all fronts.

Sporting, though happy to hold onto him may already be planning for his replacement should the Gunners trigger his release clause in the next window.

For now, Gyökeres stays put, but his statement will undoubtedly catch the attention of Europe’s elite as January approaches.