Viktor Gyokeres has issued a firm ultimatum to Sporting CP as the Swedish striker demands a summer switch to Arsenal. The 26-year-old reportedly told the club he won’t report for pre-season duties, escalating tensions over a transfer that continues to stall. Gyokeres netted an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games last season, guiding Sporting to a domestic double. However, relations with the club have soured, with the player and his agent furious over Sporting’s handling of transfer negotiations.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, denies there was ever a gentleman’s agreement to let the striker leave for €60m plus €10m in bonuses. Arsenal’s original proposal—€55m plus €10m in add-ons—was swiftly rejected, sparking frustration in the Gyokeres camp. According to Record, the forward phoned Varandas personally to insist that he must be sold this summer. Sources close to the player claim he has no intention of wearing the Sporting shirt again and feels deeply betrayed by how negotiations have unfolded.
The conflict has also driven a wedge between Sporting and Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, whose heated exchanges with club officials have left the deal hanging in the balance. Sporting, despite their firm stance, are open to negotiation—just not on Arsenal’s terms yet. Gyokeres has made it clear to friends and family that he expects to be an Arsenal player before the new season kicks off. He has already turned down Manchester United and Juventus, showing full commitment to a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta recently met with Sporting officials to reignite talks, but progress has been limited. While Gyokeres remains keen, the Gunners are also considering a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Sesko is reportedly Arteta’s preferred target, yet with Leipzig demanding up to €100m and negotiations stalling, Arsenal may return to Gyokeres as the more feasible option. That depends, however, on Sporting softening their stance in the coming weeks.