Viktor Gyokeres: Sporting issue statement as Arsenal transfer target takes action to push through move today
Whilst the majority of the Sporting squad began their preparations for the new season at the beginning of the month, Gyokeres was granted an extended holiday for his international commitments at the end of last season.
However, the Sweden striker was due to have returned to Sporting by now.
Initial reports claimed Gyokeres' return date was Friday July 11, 2025. However, Portuguese publication, Record, reported the date had been moved to today, Saturday July 12, 2025.
Although, A Bola reported that Gyokeres had no intention of turning up to training on Saturday unless he had a 'last minute change of heart. Such action was always going to risk disciplinary action from his current club and that has been confirmed by Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
He said: "We're calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.
'If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we'll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.
'If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave.
'No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are."
Varandas has previously insisted Gyokeres will not be sold for less than an €80m (£68.6m) transfer fee and Standard Sport reported last Sunday that Arsenal's proposal of €65million (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons was not enough.
It is understood that Gyokeres has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, but until the two clubs reach an agreement over a transfer fee, his future will remain unresolved.
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