Viktor Gyokeres has ruled out a return to the Nordic region this summer, citing his acclimatisation to the warmer climate in Lisbon. The Sporting Lisbon star is on the brink of a high-profile departure, with his next club still a hot topic of speculation. The 27-year-old striker's stunning tally of 53 goals and 13 assists in 51 matches last season, which propelled Sporting to a league and cup double, has caught the eye of several clubs, including Arsenal, who are reportedly leading the chase.

Arsenal are contemplating a £60million bid for the Swedish sensation, who would likely demand upwards of £200,000 per week, as they also consider RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Manchester United, where Gyokeres could reunite with former boss Ruben Amorim, are also weighing up their options. Despite earlier concerns that United's absence from the Champions League might deter him, it seems this may no longer be a stumbling block for a potential move to Old Trafford.

Gyokeres has made it clear he's not keen on a Scandinavian switch. "After living in a warm country, it would be difficult," he confessed to Swedish Vogue, where he discussed his fondness for Portugal's vibrant culture.

"In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialise on the weekends. Here there is more life during the week. They have dinners with friends, a glass of wine on Monday. I like that."

Gyokeres withdrew from the Sweden squad set to face Hungary and Algeria in friendlies this week, sparking rumours he's avoiding potential injuries ahead of a transfer. However, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has dismissed these claims.

"No! He felt a minor injury and our medical team was already aware of it and we decided, together, to release him," Tomasson said. "I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn't trained much in the last few weeks and was feeling some discomfort due to a minor injury.

"I was pleased to see him and have him with us in this training camp. It speaks volumes about Viktor, how eager he is to participate. We're considering it [a replacement] and need to discuss it further. In an ideal world, we have all players available."

Gyokeres himself has remained mum on his plans. When questioned about his future after Sporting's final match of the season, he said: "Let's see.

"It's difficult for me to say, because yeah, it is football and you never know what's going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible.

"I don't know, I just focus on this. I've tried to concentrate on the last matches because they're so important and I don't want to think about anything else. So yeah, if anything is true, let's see in the summer."