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Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres is facing internal disciplinary action after failing to report for pre-season training, with the club’s president Frederico Varandas confirming the forward did not arrive as expected on Saturday.
Gyökeres had been given permission to delay his return until July 12 but was absent when the squad gathered ahead of their training camp in the Algarve. The Portugal champions are now set to fine the player unless a valid reason is provided, such as medical grounds or board-approved extended leave.
Arsenal are currently in negotiations with Sporting for the 27-year-old, though the two sides have not reached an agreement. The Premier League club are believed to have offered €65m plus €15m in add-ons, which Sporting rejected. The Lisbon-based side are holding firm on their valuation of €70m (£60.2m) upfront, with an additional €10m in performance-related bonuses.
Gyökeres, who signed from Coventry City in 2023 for around £20m, enjoyed a sensational season last term, scoring 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions. That included a memorable Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City as Sporting secured both the league title and Portuguese Cup.
Despite mounting pressure, Varandas has made it clear that Sporting are in no rush to sell and will not lower their asking price under duress.
“We're calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine and an apology to the group,” said Varandas. “If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we'll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.
“If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave.
“No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”
Sporting’s financial stability, bolstered by three league titles in five years and consistent Champions League qualification, has strengthened their negotiating position. With Gyökeres under contract until 2028 and having netted 97 times in 102 appearances, Sporting remain determined not to let him go for less than their valuation.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Gyökeres expressed his ambition to return to the Premier League and prove himself after a difficult stint at Brighton, where he failed to make a league appearance.
“It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe,” he said. “I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to weigh their options should the deal for Gyökeres fall through. The club is said to be impressed with the player’s desire to join but will maintain a disciplined approach in negotiations.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @viktorgyokeres
