Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has issued a stern warning to star striker Viktor Gyokeres after the Swedish forward skipped pre-season training amid intense transfer interest from Arsenal. The Portuguese club has vowed to impose a “hefty fine” on the 27-year-old, who is pushing for a move to the Premier League.
Gyokeres Goes AWOL as Arsenal Push for Deal
Gyokeres, who enjoyed an extended break until July 12, failed to report back for training, escalating tensions between the player and Sporting. The £70m-rated forward is believed to have already agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, but the Gunners have yet to meet Sporting’s valuation.
Varandas made it clear that the club will not be pressured into lowering their demands. In a fiery statement to Lusa News Agency, he declared:
“We’re calm. This situation can be resolved with a market closure, a hefty fine, and an apology to the team. If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair value, we’ll happily keep him for the next three years.”
He added a sharp warning:
“If the people behind this strategy think this pressures me into making his exit easier, they’re completely wrong. In fact, they’re only making it harder for the player. No one is bigger than Sporting.”
Gyokeres’ Stellar Rise & Premier League Ambitions
Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 for £20m, Gyokeres has been in sensational form, netting 97 goals in just 102 appearances. Last season alone, he scored 54 times, establishing himself as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.
Despite his success in Portugal, Gyokeres has long expressed his desire to return to England. After a frustrating stint at Brighton, where he failed to make a single Premier League appearance, he has openly spoken about seeking redemption in England’s top flight.
“The Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in Europe,” Gyokeres previously said. “I spent years there without playing a single game, so of course, I’d love to go back. It would be a great revenge.”
Arsenal’s Striker Hunt & Sporting’s Strong Stance
As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to secure a new striker before the team’s pre-season tour of Singapore on July 19. However, Sporting’s firm stance suggests the Gunners may need to meet their £69m release clause to land their target.
With Gyokeres under contract until 2027, Sporting holds all the leverage. If Arsenal fail to meet their demands, the Swedish forward could face disciplinary action while remaining in Lisbon.
What’s Next?
The situation remains tense, with Gyokeres risking further punishment if he continues to push for an exit. Meanwhile, Arsenal must decide whether to meet Sporting’s valuation or explore alternative targets, such as Ivan Toney or Victor Osimhen, as suggested by Sky Sports.
Will Gyokeres force his way out, or will Sporting stand firm? The coming weeks will be crucial in this high-stakes transfer battle.
