Viktor Gyokeres goes AWOL! Sporting ace fails to turn up for pre-season training as striker pushes for Arsenal transfer

According to The Guardian,Sporting are now preparing to take internal action against their star striker. Club officials are awaiting any official explanation from Gyokeres that could justify his absence, such as a medical issue, an approved extension for personal leave, or an emergency family matter. In the absence of any valid reason, the Portuguese side is expected to impose a fine.

Arsenal reportedly tabled a bid of €65 (£56m/$76m) million with a further €15m (£13m/$17.5m) in performance-based add-ons, a package that failed to convince Sporting president Frederico Varandas. The official is holding firm, demanding a guaranteed €70m (£60m/$82m) plus an additional €10m (£8.5m/$12m) in bonuses. Arsenal’s hierarchy is believed to be weighing up their next move, knowing that the player’s growing frustration could work in their favour during negotiations.

Sporting are in no rush to sell. The club is currently enjoying both financial stability and consistent success on the pitch. Having secured three of the last five Primeira Liga titles after nearly two decades without a championship, the Lisbon side is also benefiting from the lucrative windfall of regular Champions League football. With next season’s budget already in place and no pressing financial gaps to fill, they are in a strong position to demand top dollar for one of their most important players.

Gyokeres is reportedly eager to finally test himself in the Premier League after previous stints in English football. Though once on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion, he never made a Premier League appearance for them. Instead, he found his form at Coventry City, where he scored 41 league goals in 110 games during a productive two-season spell. Having impressed in Portugal, the Swede now feels the time is right to return to England and showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in world football.