Viktor Gyokeres will reportedly refuse to turn up for pre-season training with Sporting Lisbon as he pushes for a move to Arsenal.
The Swedish international is thought to have agreed pre-contract terms with the Gunners after prioritising a move to north London over Manchester United.
The striker believes that he has an honour agreement that allows him to leave the club for a fee of €60million, plus another €10m (£51.7m plus £8.6m).
However, despite Arsenal reportedly offering to pay €65m, plus a further €15m (£56m plus £12.9m), but the Portuguese club are now believed to be standing firm on a fixed €70m (£60.4m).
Gyokeres was due to report for pre-season training with Sporting on Friday, but he will not show up, according to The Athletic.
It is said that he feels betrayed, believing president Frederico Varandas has broken a pact to let him leave for a figure Arsenal have already exceeded.
Victor Gyokeres will reportedly refuse to turn up for pre-season training with Sporting Lisbon
Gyokeres was due to report for pre-season training with Sporting on Friday but will not turn up
The striker has informed president Frederico Varandas of his desire to join Arsenal
After talks came to a halt over the issue last weekend, as per Portuguese outlet A Bola, it has now been some time since the two parties have discussed the transfer.
The pause in proceedings could yet mean the worst for Mikel Arteta’s side and for Gyokeres, who is reportedly so keen on a move to Arsenal that he is mulling not returning to pre-season training with the club in Alcochete on Friday.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta led the Arsenal delegation that flew to the Iberian peninsula for talks with the Primeira Liga side, alongside Gyokeres’ agent Kenan Mert.
A Bola alleges that Mert has claimed that former sporting director Hugo Viana – who is now at Premier League rivals Manchester City – offered the player a guarantee that he would be able to leave Sporting during this summer’s window.
The impasse could be concerning for the Gunners, with the deal looking increasingly challenging to get over the line.
The former Coventry City and Brighton striker currently has three years still remaining on his contract with the Portuguese giants, though it appears unlikely in the extreme that he will be seeing out those terms as things stand.
The Swedish international scored a staggering 54 goals for the Portuguese giants last term across all competitions.
The Gunners have already signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m, and reportedly completed a £12m move for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
They are also on the verge of completing a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, and have been linked with Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze.
