'Disillusioned' - Gyokeres rumored to threaten Sporting with pre-season absence

In an unusual turn of events, Viktor Gyokeres, the prolific Swedish striker, is reportedly considering refusing to participate in pre-season training to pressure Sporting into selling him to a prospective suitor. This dramatic action comes amidst a disagreement between Gyokeres and Sporting president Frederico Varandas over the transfer fee for the striker.

The 27-year-old, who scored an impressive 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting during the 2024/25 season, has a release clause of £85million, but his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, claims that Sporting would accept a transfer fee of around £60m due to a supposed gentlemen's agreement. However, Varandas has publicly stated that the club will not entertain offers of £60m, nor will they tolerate 'blackmail or insults'.

Portuguese outlet A Bola and The Times' Transfers Podcast have suggested that Gyokeres may use his influence to force Sporting's hand by refusing to report for pre-season training. According to the reports, Gyokeres, who is maintaining his fitness through independent training during the summer, is 'certain' he no longer wishes to play for Sporting.

The potential departure of Gyokeres could be a significant blow for Sporting, who are due to begin their pre-season preparations on July 1. The Swedish star has been in outstanding form since joining the Portuguese giants, scoring 97 goals in just 102 appearances.

Arsenal are said to be leading the race for Gyokeres' signature, with the Swede reportedly telling family and friends that he expects to join the Gunners. The prospect of playing Champions League football, an opportunity Arsenal can offer but Manchester United cannot, may have influenced Gyokeres' decision.

The interest from Manchester United stems from Gyokeres' pre-existing relationship with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, who worked with the striker at Sporting before taking over from Erik ten Hag last November. However, Arsenal's pursuit of Gyokeres could be a bitter pill for Manchester United to swallow, given their own interest in the player.

Should Gyokeres move to the Emirates, he would add much-needed firepower to an Arsenal attack that struggled to find consistency last season. Kai Havertz was Arsenal's top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals, but missed 14 games due to illness and injury.

Former Premier League manager Sean Dyche, who managed Everton when they faced Sporting in a pre-season friendly, believes the signing of Gyokeres would be a significant coup for Arsenal. Speaking on talkSPORT, Dyche said, "The boy Gyokeres, I've got to be honest, I think he's a real player. I saw him in the Championship. Then we played him in pre-season and I thought, 'Strong, honest'."

Fans will be eagerly awaiting news on Gyokeres' decision, with many believing he could be the missing piece in Arsenal's puzzle as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Keep an eye on Arsenal's transfer activity in the coming weeks to see if Gyokeres becomes their first summer signing.