Sporting Chief Furiously Slams Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres Transfer Pursuit as 'Completely Wrong'

Frederico Varandas, the president of Sporting CP, has firmly announced that striker Viktor Gyökeres, who is seeking to leave the club, will face a "substantial penalty" and must issue an apology to his fellow players following his absence from the beginning of pre-season training as he attempts to force through his departure this summer.

This drastic action has been anticipated for three weeks as Gyökeres grew increasingly frustrated with Sporting's inflexible stance in discussions with Arsenal. Varandas had previously made it crystal clear that his key striker would not be permitted to depart for the allegedly pre-arranged sum of €60 million (£51.9 million, $70.1 million) plus €10 million (£8.7 million, $11.7 million) in additional payments.

Arsenal allegedly exceeded that amount, meeting Sporting's €80 million (£69.2 million, $93.5 million) asking price only to face another rejection. The English club's offer of €65 million (£56.2 million, $76 million) immediately with an additional €15 million (£13 million, $17.5 million) in performance-related payments was deemed insufficient. Sporting are believed to be insisting on a guaranteed €70 million (£60.6 million, $81.8 million) plus €10 million.

"We remain composed," Varandas stated to Lusa following Gyökeres' absence this week. "Everything will be settled when the transfer window closes, with a substantial penalty, and an apology to the squad.

"If they [potential buyers] refuse to pay the appropriate market price for Viktor, we are perfectly content with that for the remaining three years [of his contract duration]."

The widespread belief is that Arsenal will eventually cover the €5 million shortfall, though negotiations may become more strained. "If the masterminds behind this tactic believe it will pressure me into facilitating his departure," Varandas declared angrily, "they are not only entirely mistaken but are also making the player's exit significantly more difficult.

"Nobody stands above the club's priorities, regardless of who they are."

Gyökeres has been open about his ambition to take on a fresh challenge in the upcoming season, but his voluntary absence risks damaging two highly successful years in Lisbon. Sporting supporters have flooded social media platforms with overwhelmingly critical responses.