Viktor Gyökeres - Arsenal
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The transfer saga surrounding Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres has escalated dramatically, with the Swedish international reportedly refusing to report for pre-season training in a bold move to force through a transfer to Arsenal.
Multiple sources, including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, confirmed in the last 24 hours that Gyökeres has informed Sporting of his intention to boycott training sessions, intensifying pressure on the Portuguese club to sanction his exit. The 27-year-old is said to be “fully focused” on joining Arsenal and has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract worth around £200,000 per week.
Arsenal have been locked in negotiations with Sporting for several weeks, but the deal remains at an impasse. Sporting are demanding a guaranteed €70 million (£60 million) upfront, while Arsenal’s latest offer reportedly consists of €65 million (£56 million) plus €15 million (£13 million) in performance-related add-ons. Despite the relatively small gap in valuation, talks have stalled, with Sporting president Frederico Varandas standing firm.
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Gyökeres enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign, scoring an incredible 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions. His prolific form and physical attributes have made him Mikel Arteta’s top striker target this summer as Arsenal aim to mount a serious Premier League title challenge in the 2025/26 season.
🚨❤️🤍 Viktor Gyökeres will not show up in training at Sporting today, tomorrow or at any moment this summer.
His decision is clear as reported during the week: he only wants Arsenal, it’s over with Sporting.
Gyökeres also informed Sporting president about that 5 days ago. pic.twitter.com/JARkhRGO2B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2025
According to MailOnline, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta recently travelled to Lisbon for face-to-face talks, but the delegation returned to London without an agreement. Sources close to the club maintain optimism, describing the process as “drawn out rather than stalled.”
The situation took a more contentious turn after Gyökeres’ training boycott. The striker reportedly believes he had a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting allowing him to leave for €70 million this summer, a claim Varandas has publicly denied. In a further show of commitment to the move, Gyökeres is said to be willing to forgo €2 million of his salary to help facilitate the transfer.
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Interest in the striker has grown amid the uncertainty, with The Independent reporting that Manchester United and Fenerbahce are monitoring the situation. United could re-enter the race should Arsenal’s efforts collapse, while Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce have been linked with a potential loan offer. However, Gyökeres has made it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination and has turned down other suitors to prioritise a move to North London.
Arsenal have already strengthened their squad this summer with the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. But Arteta remains intent on adding a marquee striker, and Gyökeres fits the profile with his elite finishing, pressing ability, and versatility across the front line.
With the player refusing to train and tensions rising between Gyökeres and Sporting’s hierarchy, Arsenal will be hoping this latest development can push the deal across the line. However, with Sporting still standing firm on their valuation, the Gunners may need to increase their offer or risk losing out on one of their top summer targets.
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