He can strike for 3 years — Sporting president warns Arsenal target

Sporting CP’s president, Federico Varandas, recently reiterated that they will not be pressured into selling Gyokeres, despite the striker refusing to report for training.

The London-based side have zeroed in on Gyokeres as their striker target for the summer transfer window and have even reached an agreement on personal terms with the Swede for a five-year deal. 

However, Sporting CP are proving a major stumbling block towards the advancement of the deal, as they have rejected Arsenal's bids. The most recent reports reveal Arsenal bid €65 million, plus another €15 million in add-ons, but Sporting are demanding a different structure with more guaranteed money. 

Gyokeres is keen on joining Arsenal; hence, he is not impressed with the club's stance. He has refused to report for training; in a bid to pressure Sporting, however, Varandas insists that they will not be bullied. 

Varandas said that they will only sell the striker for his fair market value and are comfortable with him going on strike for the remainder of his contract. 

“If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're very comfortable with that for the next three years, he said, per Fabrizio Romano. 

“This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.

“We're calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.”