Viktor Gyökeres is determined to join Arsenal this summer, but Sporting haven’t made it easy so far.
On Saturday, O Jogo stated the striker has been given permission to return on July 7th, a week after they start preseason. On Sunday, Correio da Manhã reported he has requested a ‘face to face’ meeting with Sporting as he tries to force a move to Arsenal.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas said over the weekend that the 27-year-old is likely to leave, and insinuated that if he doesn’t it’s down to the player’s agent.
Monday’s edition of Record states Varandas’ latest remarks have caused ‘deep displeasure’ to the Arsenal target, or. more likely his agent.
Record found out from a source close to the player that he exchanged messages with the president on Sunday afternoon. The Sweden international and his agent insist Sporting promised to let him leave for €60m plus €10m, while Varandas has denied this publicly.
During the conversation with Varandas, Gyökeres is said to have claimed he and his agent feel the club are failing to honour their promise.
The newspaper adds: ‘The striker and his manager fear that Sporting’s demand for €80m, as a result of “Vik’s” exceptional performance in 2024/25, will jeopardise a move to Arsenal, the club where Gyökeres clearly wants to continue his career.’
Record state they have been given access to the texts exchanged between the Swede and Varandas.
The frontman has told the Sporting president that his stance leaves him no choice but to clarify his situation around his exit. If there are no developments soon, Gyökeres wants to talk to the media to present his case.
He’s expected to return to training next month, but during yesterday’s conversation with Varandas, Record have found out that Gyökeres has decided not to show up at the club or for preseason.
These are the two points, and there’s another one that has clearly not pleased the player.
Record states: ‘Finally, Gyökeres shared a third outburst with the president of Sporting: the number 9 of the Lions reiterated that he is tired, and this was the expression transmitted to Record by a source close to the player, of hearing Varandas speak “constantly” to the media with information that he disapproves of and that, in his opinion, is not credible, as it only intends to divert the focus from a solution.’
Arsenal don’t want to match Varandas’ €80m request and if the president stands firm on his stance, Gyökeres could soon speak to the media to present his case.