Sporting send strong message to Arsenal as president confirms Viktor Gyokeres will be slapped with fine and made to apologise for missing start of pre-season

Reports suggest Arsenal have made an official offer for the prolific striker, proposing an initial payment of €65 million (£56m/$76m), supplemented by an additional €15m (£13m/$17.5m) in performance-based incentives. However, that package has not been enough to sway Sporting’s president, who is demanding a higher up-front fee. Varandas has made it clear that any deal for Gyokeres must start at a guaranteed €70m (£60m/$82m), with bonuses totalling an extra €10m (£8.5/$12m), should Arsenal wish to secure the forward’s services this summer.

Sporting are under no urgent obligation to part ways with Gyokeres, given their sound financial status. The 26-year-old forward is still tied to the Lisbon-based side for another three years, giving the club considerable leverage in any negotiations.

In a candid statement to the Portuguese press, Varandas addressed the situation with a measured tone, dismissing the idea that Sporting would be forced into a sale under pressure.

“If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're very comfortable with that for the next three years,” he said.

“This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are. We're calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a heavy fine and an apology to the group”.

Sporting’s squad has already moved on to their training camp in the Algarve without their star striker, further highlighting the rift between the club and player. If Arsenal wish to finalise a deal, they will need to meet Sporting’s rigid demands, or risk losing out altogether.