LISBON: Sporting Lisbon have dealt Arsenal their latest blow by insisting they will not compromise on the value of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres in this summer’s transfer window.
Club president Frederico Varandas has publicly warned the Gunners that only offers of around £70 million will be considered to release Gyokeres.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set Gyokeres as their main target to strengthen their attacking line-up ahead of the new season, while also monitoring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
But both of those moves have yet to become a reality.
Gyokeres, 27, is understood to be frustrated with Sporting after claiming the club broke promises to a verbal agreement that allowed him to move for around £60 million, lower than his official release clause of £80 million.
The striker is now reportedly refusing to play until his transfer issue is resolved.
However, Varandas stressed that the club will not bow to any offer that is deemed not to reflect the true value of Gyokeres in the current market.
“We don’t need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. We are calm and always sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and all our players.
“But after weeks of negotiations, we decided not to demand the full value based on the release clause, but rather a price we consider fair. At this time, I believe there is a high probability that he will move,” he said.
Varandas also compared Gyokeres’ value to several other players in the transfer market.
“I saw Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, sold to Arsenal for £51 million.
“(Matheus) Cunha and (Bryan) Mbeumo were also negotiated to Manchester United for around £64 million, although I don’t think they have the market value or quality comparable to Viktor,” he explained.
He also hinted that Sporting would not hesitate to keep Gyokeres in Portugal if Arsenal continued to insist on their offer.