Sporting Lisbon is facing a critical period as president Frederico Varandas attempts to convince manager Ruben Amorim to stay while fending off interest in star striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish forward, heavily linked with a potential move to Arsenal, seems pivotal to both Amorim’s decision and the club’s future competitiveness.

Despite reduced speculation surrounding manager Ruben Amorim‘s potential move to West Ham United, Portuguese media outlets like O Jogo, via Sport Witness, report that Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas is preparing a compelling case to convince Amorim to stay.

A key component of this strategy is retaining Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres, a move that would strengthen Sporting’s competitiveness.

O Jogo asserts that Varandas will use “all possible weapons” to persuade Amorim, starting by assuring the stability of the squad’s core players. Gyokeres is central to this plan, with his agent recently hinting at the striker’s potential departure should Amorim leave.

To try and secure secure Gyokeres’ future at Sporting, Varandas is reportedly prepared to demand his full €100 million release clause before he will be sold in the hopes that will deter suitors. The striker has been a sensation this season, scoring 38 goals with 16 assists in just 45 appearances. With Arsenal allegedly interested, keeping Gyokeres could prove crucial in convincing Amorim to stay.

Reports regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres have been conflicting. While Portuguese sources suggest the Gunners are keen, Swedish media outlets like Fotboll Direkt claim Arsenal have denied interest and are seeking a different forward profile.