Viktor Gyökeres, the Sporting Lisbon striker, faces disciplinary action after failing to report for pre-season training by the 5pm deadline on Saturday. The Sweden international has informed the club of his intention not to return for the new campaign, with a move to Arsenal his desired outcome.
Sporting intend to fine Gyökeres unless he can provide a legitimate justification, such as medical grounds or authorised extended leave. The squad departed for a training camp in the Algarve without him. The Portuguese champions, who saw Gyökeres score 54 goals in 52 games last season, are under no financial pressure to sell.
Club president Frederico Varandas has taken a firm stance in negotiations with Arsenal, demanding €70m (£60.2m) plus €10m in add-ons, after rejecting an offer of €65m plus €15m. “We are calm,” Varandas said. “Everything can be resolved with the close of the transfer window, a heavy fine and an apology to the group.” He added: “If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value we are very comfortable with that for the next three years.”
Sporting have won three of the past five Primeira Liga titles and benefit from regular Champions League revenue, meaning they are not obliged to sell key assets. Gyökeres, who has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for the club, has three years left on his contract. Varandas warned: “If the geniuses who are outlining this strategy think this puts pressure on me to ease the player’s exit, not only are they completely wrong but they’re also making the player’s exit conditions even more complicated. No one is above the club’s interests.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to finalising a £52m deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who will sign a five-year contract. The 23-year-old provides cover for Bukayo Saka and can play on either flank. Arsenal are also expected to open negotiations with Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze, who has a £67.5m release clause, and are making progress on a new contract for academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri.
