The transfer saga surrounding Sporting CP's star striker, Viktor Gyökeres, has escalated dramatically, with the Swedish international reportedly boycotting pre-season training to force through a move to his preferred destination, Arsenal. The situation has been further complicated by a last-ditch hijack attempt from Manchester United, though the player's intentions appear to remain firm.
After a phenomenal season in the Primeira Liga that saw him become one of Europe's most coveted forwards, the 27-year-old has made it clear his future lies in the Premier League. Arsenal have been in pole position for weeks, engaging in protracted negotiations with the Portuguese champions.
A broad agreement is understood to be in place for a deal worth an initial €63.5 million (£55 million), with a further €10 million in performance-related add-ons. However, the deal has stalled over the structure of these bonus payments. Reports indicate that Sporting are insisting on easily achievable clauses, while the Gunners are pushing for more challenging targets, leading to a frustrating impasse.
The delay opened the door for a sensational twist, as Manchester United, now managed by Gyökeres' former Sporting coach Rúben Amorim, reportedly tabled an offer in the region of €70-80 million. Despite the lucrative proposal and the presence of his former mentor at Old Trafford, Gyökeres is said to have rejected the advance, remaining resolute in his desire to join Mikel Arteta's project in North London.
The standoff has turned sour, with the relationship between Gyökeres and the Sporting hierarchy deteriorating. The striker, who has been pictured in Mallorca awaiting news, did not report for the start of pre-season training, prompting Sporting to initiate disciplinary action. The club and player are also reportedly at odds over an alleged "gentleman's agreement" regarding his sale price, with Gyökeres's camp believing a promise was broken.
While his official release clause stands at a formidable €100 million, Sporting's president Frederico Varandas had previously admitted the club would be "reasonable," though he has maintained a firm public stance throughout the negotiations.
Speaking to the press during Arsenal's pre-season tour in Singapore, Mikel Arteta remained coy but offered a telling hint, stating Gyökeres is not an Arsenal player - "yet".
With Sporting seemingly resigned to losing their prized asset and already pursuing Almería's Luis Suárez as a replacement, all eyes are on the negotiating teams to break the deadlock. For Arsenal, securing the prolific Swede would be the final, crucial piece of their summer transfer puzzle. For the player, it's a tense waiting game to see if his power play will ultimately grant him his desired move.