Arsenal’s long-standing pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has taken a dramatic turn, with the Swedish forward now reportedly on strike to force through a move to North London.
Softfootball understands that Gyökeres was due to report for pre-season training on Friday, July 11, following an extended break granted by Sporting.
However, the striker failed to show up and has now been instructed to rejoin the squad by Saturday, July 12. Sources close to the situation indicate that Gyökeres remains in Sweden, where he has spent a significant part of his summer, leaving the door open for Sporting to take disciplinary action.
The breakdown in communication comes amid growing frustration from the player’s camp. Gyökeres believes Sporting have gone back on a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” that would allow him to leave if a suitable offer was made.
Arsenal reportedly tabled a deal worth €60 million (£51.8m) plus €10 million (£8.6m) in performance-related bonuses an amount the striker believes should have triggered his exit.
Standard Sports reports that Sporting, however, remain firm in their stance. Club president Frederico Varandas has denied any such agreement ever existed and insists the striker will only be sold if their full €80 million (£68.6m) valuation is met.
This disagreement has reportedly pushed Gyökeres to tell the club he no longer wishes to play for them.Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta traveled to Lisbon last week to negotiate directly, but talks ultimately stalled.
While an agreement on personal terms with the player has already been reached, the two clubs remain locked in a standoff over the final transfer fee. Softfootball earlier reported that Arsenal’s Pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres Hits Major Snag as Sporting CP Talks Stall.
Initially, both sides were hopeful of sealing the deal before the weekend. But with neither club willing to compromise on their valuation, negotiations have come to a grinding halt.
For Sporting, the situation has become even more precarious now that Gyökeres is pushing aggressively for the move. This could ultimately play into Arsenal’s hands.
With the striker’s one-track desire to join the Gunners, interest from rivals like Manchester United and Juventus has cooled, removing the possibility of a bidding war.
