Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed reconciliation discussions with Sporting CP as tensions escalate over his potential transfer. The Sweden striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United this summer.
The Gunners seemed to be leading the race for Gyokeres, who has shown a preference for a switch to north London. However, any deal seems distant at present, with Sporting adamant about not letting their asset go for a bargain price.
This stance has exasperated Gyokeres, who reportedly feels betrayed by the club's reluctance to honour a gentleman's agreement that allowed him to leave. Reports in Portugal state he has even threatened to strike in order to push through a move.
Sporting have sought to defuse the situation by proposing talks with their prized forward, but this has been flatly refused. Portuguese outlet Record have stated that Sporting's attempt to engage in clear-the-air talks was dismissed by Gyokeres' representatives.
Meanwhile, the ex-Coventry City ace is vacationing in Saint Tropez and shows no signs of returning to club duties just yet. Nonetheless, he broke his silence on the matter last week.
On his Instagram story, he posted: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."
Sporting's president Federico Varandas has emphatically addressed the rumours circulating about his future, insisting that the club will not be pushed around. He asserted: "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."
Their new asking price is believed to be £68.4million (€80m). Amidst all this, Gyokeres' appeal hasn't waned, having been passed up by Real Madrid, while Juventus are tempting him with a hefty £11 million yearly package to join them in Turin.
Arsenal have temporarily halted their pursuit of Gyokeres after their initial offer was turned down. Instead, they are now concentrating on securing a deal for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, with fresh reports suggesting that the Gunners have reached an agreement over personal terms.