Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed peace talks with Sporting, escalating tensions as his transfer saga sours. The Swedish striker, eyed by Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal, is at the heart of a summer tug-of-war. Arsenal have an interest in Gyokeres, and the centre-forward is keen on a move to the Premier League.
However, a move is stalling, with Sporting refusing to let their asset go for a low price. Gyokeres is said to be seething and is accusing Sporting of reneging on promises to help facilitate his departure. It is even alleged that the player is ready to go on strike as a result. Sporting's olive branch, which is an attempt to reconcile with their disgruntled forward, has been flatly refused.
Record reports that Gyokeres' camp dismissed the club's bid for clear-the-air discussions. Meanwhile, the ex-Coventry City ace is soaking up the sun on holiday in Saint Tropez. He spoke on his future last week.
On Instagram, he wrote: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."
Sporting president Federico Varandas has declared that Sporting will not be bullied into selling the striker on the cheap: "One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season.
"I think it's fair to explain the whole process. The process started last year when the season ended, Sporting were champions and had a fantastic season.
"During the transfer window we realised that Viktor was going to stay at Sporting because we didn't receive a single offer for him. When the season started, the agent approached Hugo Viana several times, asking if we could add an extra fee to the contract if he scored 'x' goals; I gave Viana the opportunity to negotiate, within reason."
Arsenal are also in talks with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and have yet to decide between Gyokeres and the Slovenian as their preferred No.9 for next season.