Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has hit a significant hurdle as the Sporting CP forward faces disciplinary measures for missing pre-season training. The Portuguese club’s president, Frederico Varandas, confirmed the situation, emphasizing that any transfer negotiations have become increasingly complex.
Gyokeres, a prolific striker who netted 54 goals in 52 games last season, has yet to provide a public explanation for his absence from training. Varandas stated to Portuguese news agency Lusa that “no one is above the interests of the club,” highlighting Sporting’s firm stance on the player’s conduct.
Despite Arsenal’s ongoing discussions, including direct talks between the club’s sporting director Andrea Berta and Gyokeres in Portugal, the financial terms remain a sticking point. Arsenal’s latest offer sits around €70 million (£60 million) including add-ons, which Sporting considers below Gyokeres’ full release clause of €100 million (£85 million). Varandas clarified that no informal agreement exists for a €70 million deal and reiterated the club’s right to hold firm or seek full value.
Varandas further remarked, “If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’ll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.” He added that strategies attempting to pressure the club to ease the transfer are miscalculated and currently complicate the situation for the player.
Since joining Sporting, Gyokeres has been instrumental to the club’s success, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches and contributing to two league titles over two seasons. His performance has attracted significant Premier League interest, but the current stand-off raises questions over his future.
For continuous updates on this developing transfer story, visit the BBC Sport football section.
