Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has confirmed that star striker Viktor Gyokeres is facing disciplinary proceedings after failing to report for pre-season training on Saturday, July 12 — the date agreed upon by the club following a permitted delay in his return.
The Swedish forward, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, is currently at the center of a transfer tug-of-war between Sporting and Arsenal. The Gunners have shown strong interest in signing the 27-year-old this summer but have yet to meet the Portuguese club’s £69 million valuation.
Speaking on the situation, Varandas made it clear that Sporting will not be strong-armed into a deal they deem unfair.
“We’re calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine, and an apology to the group,” he said.
“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.”
Gyokeres’ absence has been seen as an effort to force through a move, though Sporting remain firm in their stance. The prolific forward joined the club from Coventry City in 2023 for around £20 million and has since delivered an astonishing return — 97 goals in 102 appearances over two seasons.
In the 2024/25 campaign alone, Gyokeres netted 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. He played a pivotal role in Sporting’s domestic double, helping the team secure both the Liga Portugal title and the Portuguese Cup.
A move to Arsenal would mark a return to English football for the Swede, who previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, and later Coventry, where he scored 43 goals over two and a half seasons in the Championship.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting are ongoing, with reports suggesting the primary sticking point lies not in the total fee but in the structure of the payments — particularly the amount guaranteed upfront. Despite the tension, Arsenal are said to be impressed by Gyokeres’ willingness to make the switch, though they remain committed to a disciplined and strategic approach.
Should talks collapse, the North London side has reportedly done its homework on alternative attacking options.
As it stands, the ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court — but Sporting has made it clear: Gyokeres will not be sold on the cheap, and no player is bigger than the club.
