'It would be great revenge' – Gyokeres plotting Premier League vengeance

Viktor Gyokeres said his ambition of playing in the Premier League is fuelled by "revenge" having failed to make an appearance in the top flight. 

Gyokeres joined Brighton in 2017 from IF Brommapojkarna, but didn't feature for the Seagulls in any competition, instead being sent out on loan three times. 

The Sweden international turned out for St. Pauli, Swansea City and Coventry City, putting pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Sky Blues in January 2021. 

He scored 43 goals in 116 games across all competitions for Coventry, leading to a move to Sporting CP, where he has gone on to flourish. 

Gyokeres scored a league-high 29 times in his first season, leading Sporting to their first title in 19 years, before netting 39 goals to help them retain their crown last year. 

His displays have seen him linked with a return to England, with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly interested, and Gyokeres is keen to play in the Premier League. 

"It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe," Gyokeres said in an interview with L'Equipe. 

"I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be great revenge."

Gyokeres has a €100m release clause in his contract, but reports have suggested Arsenal are willing to offer around €70m for him.

But the 27-year-old was not worried about the potential fee for his services, but about feeling wanted and appreciated at his next club. 

"It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it, we'll see what happens," he said.

"If something is going to happen, it will happen. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me."

Indeed, his 68 league goals since the start of 2023-24 are the most of any player in Europe's top 10 leagues (Harry Kane is second with 62).

Those goals have come from chances worth a total of 53.6 expected goals (xG), giving him an overperformance of 14.4. 

And when asked whether he was on the same level as Kane and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Gyokeres believes he is among the best strikers in the world. 

"I'm definitely one of them," Gyokeres added. "It's difficult to rank me but yes, I'm at the same table as them now.

"What I managed to do at Sporting, I'm convinced I can do anywhere. You haven't seen the best of Gyokeres yet."