Sporting Lisbon have delayed Viktor Gyokeres's return to pre-season training amid a contractual dispute, with the striker pushing for a move to Arsenal. The Portuguese club has told the Sweden international to stay away until Friday, giving the Gunners additional time to finalise a deal.
The 26-year-old and his agent Hasan Cetinkaya threatened to go on strike after allegedly being promised a £60 million release clause, a figure the club has since rejected. Sporting president Frederico Varandas insists the club will only sell for a fair value and has dismissed what he termed 'threats, blackmail and insults'.
Arsenal and Sporting are in advanced talks, with Gyokeres reportedly agreeing a five-year contract with the north London club. The striker has turned down two lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Qadisiyah, worth £11 million a year, to pursue Champions League football.
Sporting have given Arsenal until Friday to complete the transfer before Gyokeres is expected to rejoin training. Mikel Arteta's side have long targeted the 50-goal striker alongside RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, with progress accelerating on Gyokeres in recent days.
