Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly been given some extra time off this summer with his future yet to be resolved.
Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in signing the Sweden international, who has scored 97 goals in 102 matches in two seasons in Portugal.
He is believed to have contacted Sporting president Frederico Varandas to demand a transfer but Sporting’s valuation remains an issue.
Gyokeres is said to have believed that he reached a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting last summer that would see the Portuguese league champions accept a fee around €70million (£60m), including add-ons, at the end of the 2024-25 season.
However, Sporting are now appearing to hold out for a significantly increased fee – with Gyokeres having a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current contract.
The 27-year-old was seen enjoying his holidays on the Greek island of Mykonos this past week with Sporting’s pre-season preparations set to begin on Tuesday.
Viktor Gyokeres has been given some extra time off this summer to resolve his future
Arsenal and Manchester United have both shown serious interest in signing the striker
However, The Sun claim he has been told that he can return on July 7, meaning more time to negotiate with his Premier league admirers.
Despite Gyokeres’ apparent agitation for a move, Varandas accused his team of attempting to ‘blackmail’ Sporting, while he reportedly threatened to go on strike after vowing to ‘speak at the right time’.
Now Gyokeres has made his thoughts clear to Varandas in a phone call, where he told him he wants to join Arsenal and should be allowed to after ‘giving everything for the club,’ according to Portuguese publication Record.
The report claims that the Swede will refuse to return to Lisbon and will ‘never forgive those responsible’ if a move to Arsenal breaks down.
Arsenal are also exploring options over the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who is believed to be sporting director Andrea Berta’s preferred option over Gyokeres.
Sources close to the club suggest that Sporting Lisbon’s keenness to offload Gyokeres has become clearer by the day and arguably weakened their hand as they hold out for their valuation.
