Arsenal and Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres will reportedly attempt to force a transfer from Sporting Lisbon this summer – seemingly threatening to go on strike again.
The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from the Portuguese club, who are attempting to increase the potential fee for a transfer.
As reported by Record, Gyokeres will refuse to return to Sporting as he looks to secure a departure.
Gyokeres is unhappy with comments made by Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
Although he will be given an extra week off before he is expected to return to pre-season training, it is now anticipated that Gyokeres won’t show up. Gyokeres has also reportedly threatened to publicly voice his opinion on the situation.
The Sweden international isn’t pleased at suggestions that the club won’t honour the agreement that was in place to let him leave for less than his release clause.
Viktor Gyokeres (pictured) will attempt to force a transfer from Sporting Lisbon this summer
Reports have indicated that Gyokeres will refuse to return to Sporting for pre-season training
Gyokeres is unhappy with comments made by Sporting president Frederico Varandas
Varandas said: ‘Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
‘However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.’
Although Varandas acknowledged that Gyokeres is likely to depart, he stated that the fee will be much higher than the potential price of £60million plus £10million in add-ons.
He also claimed that Gyokeres is worth more than Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United from Wolves for £62.5million.
Varandas said: ‘Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won’t leave, absolutely not.
‘We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65million. I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor’s market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75million.
‘Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.’
Mikel Arteta could look to bring in Gyokeres to add to Arsenal’s attacking options
Gyokeres has previous experience of working with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
Gyokeres, whose current contract at Sporting runs until 2028, scored 54 goals in 52 club games last season.
Both Arsenal and United are looking to add to their attacking options during the summer transfer window.
Gyokeres previously worked with United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting, while he could be tempted by the possibility of joining the Gunners, who have also been linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
