Viktor Gyokeres has refused to report for pre-season training with Sporting CP as he pursues a transfer to Arsenal. The 27-year-old striker was absent from Friday\'s delayed return date and told club president Frederico Varandas he will not play for them again.
Gyokeres feels betrayed and believes Varandas reneged on an agreement to let him leave for €60 million plus €10 million. Arsenal have already surpassed that fee but no agreement is in place between the clubs.
The Sweden international is prioritizing a transfer to the Emirates Stadium over other possibilities. Arsenal are working to land Gyokeres and have a five-year deal prepared, subject to the clubs reaching a compromise on the transfer fee.
Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 and has developed into one of Europe\'s most in-demand players. Last season, he scored 54 goals in 52 games as Sporting won the league title and cup double.
In total, Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in just 102 games for the Portuguese club. Arsenal were without a recognized No. 9 for much of last season as they finished second in the Premier League, ten points behind champions Liverpool.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus filled the striker role for much of the season before both suffered injuries. Midfielder Mikel Merino deputized as a makeshift forward late in the campaign.
Arsenal have made three signings so far this summer with midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard joining from Real Sociedad and Brentford respectively. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived from Chelsea.
The Gunners scored 17 fewer goals than Liverpool last season, highlighting their need for a clinical finisher. Gyokeres\' 68 league goals since joining Sporting is well over double that of any other player in Portugal during that period.