Sporting are reportedly worried that Viktor Gyokeres will go on strike in an attempt to force through a move to Arsenal. The Gunners have been in a transfer tussle with Manchester United to sign the Sweden international this summer, with the star already turning down a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Gyokeres spent time with Brighton, Swansea and Coventry before joining Sporting from the Sky Blues two years ago. And the 27-year-old has developed into one of the deadliest strikers in Europe during his time in Portugal as he has found the back of the net 97 times in 102 games for his current team. Arsenal appear to be leading the race for his signature, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta telling club chiefs he wants the transfer done and dusted within the next two weeks.
According to The Sun, Gyokeres is due to meet up with the Sporting squad on Monday. But Sporting bosses fear he will carry out his threat to go on strike instead.
The striker reportedly had a gentlemen’s agreement in place with his current employers where he would be allowed to leave for £60million.
But Sporting are making the most of the interest in the star and are now said to be demanding at least £68.5m to sanction his exit.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, is said to be angry with the way the situation has been handled. But sources have indicated that he is increasingly unlikely to not turn up for pre-season training.
Last month, Sporting president Frederico Varandas recalled a meeting he had with Gyokeres’ agent last year as he explained: “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that. To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres - neither today nor last season.
“One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause. He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now.
“For one reason - he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.
“In that same meeting the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value. I said this sentence: 'It's not worth us setting a value because I don't know what will happen in a year's time. I don't know if it will be 40m euros, 60m euros or 80m euros. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100m euros.’”
Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners to land Gyokeres are said to be in advanced negotiations with Sporting over a transfer for the player.
And it has been claimed that the talented star has already agreed a five-year deal with Arsenal chiefs to secure a move to the Emirates Stadium.