Explained: Why Real Madrid turned down chance to sign Viktor Gyokeres despite Xabi Alonso's demands for a striker as Sporting CP star's search for new club continues

A report from The Athletichas revealed that Madrid were offered the opportunity to sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer. Madrid, however, rejected the offer to sign the Swede and the reasons for the same have now been explained.

Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach at the end of May, and the club have already announced the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono. More arrivals are likely to follow, as the La Liga giants are determined to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica after the Club World Cup. Alonso also wants to bring in another striker, a 'Joselu-style' player to provide an aerial threat and physical presence in the box, with Osasuna's Ante Budimir said to be on Madrid's radar.

Among the players to have been offered to Madrid is Sporting CP's Gyokeres, who is liked by the club. However, the Merengues have opted against entertaining the idea of signing him due to the potential costs involved and also the fact that he won't be happy with a secondary role under Alonso. Gyokeres is currently at war with Sporting CP president Federico Varandas, who has reportedly broken his word of allowing the striker to leave for a fee of €60 million (£51m/$69m). Arsenal and Manchester United have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old, but they have shelved their interest in signing him after Sporting raised his asking price.

Gyokeres and Sporting are amidst a brutal fallout, which has potentially jeopardised the forward's departure to one of Europe's elite clubs this summer. The Gunners have already reignited their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after moving away from Gyokeres. The Swedish international's future destination remains far from clear, but there's hope that his situation will clear up in the coming weeks.