Viktor Gyokeres Takes a Stand as Sporting Lisbon Block Arsenal Transfer

Viktor Gyokeres has decided enough is enough. The Swedish striker has reportedly refused to join Sporting Lisbon’s pre-season training sessions, making his stance crystal clear: he wants to leave the club this summer. Arsenal, eager to strengthen their frontline, have been in talks for weeks, but a disagreement over the fee has stalled the deal. Now, Gyokeres is taking matters into his own hands.

At the heart of this standoff is a reported gentleman’s agreement between Gyokeres and Sporting. According to sources close to the player, when he joined the Portuguese side, both parties allegedly agreed that if a club came forward with a €60 million offer, Sporting would allow him to move on. Arsenal has done just that, offering a package that meets—and arguably exceeds—that threshold when including add-ons. However, Sporting are holding out for more cash up front.

Sporting insists that the release clause, not a handshake agreement, determines the striker’s fate. They are demanding €70 million in a single payment, rejecting Arsenal’s structured offer of €65 million upfront, with further payments of €5 million and €10 million based on future performance and appearances. This stubborn stance has left Gyokeres feeling betrayed, pushing him to skip training as a form of protest.

For Gyokeres, this isn’t just about leaving; it’s about principle. He believes the club is going back on its word, making what should have been a straightforward transfer unnecessarily complicated. His decision not to report for pre-season is designed to apply pressure, hoping to force Sporting’s leadership to rethink their stance before the situation worsens.

The Gunners still see Gyokeres as one of their top summer targets, knowing they need a clinical striker to boost their title chances. Last season’s lack of firepower in key moments was painfully clear, and Gyokeres fits the mold of a robust, dynamic forward who can thrive in the Premier League.

Negotiations between the clubs have been tense but not broken. Despite the frustration, Arsenal remains open to returning to the table, hopeful that Sporting will soften their position given the player’s public discontent and absence from team activities. Time, however, is running short, with Arsenal’s preseason tour in Asia fast approaching.