Arsenal target skips training amid transfer tension with Sporting | OneFootball

Gyökeres Gamble: Sporting Stand Firm as Arsenal Circle

Sporting’s Power Play with No Urgency to Sell

Sporting CP are not in the mood to be pushed around. Viktor Gyökeres, their prolific Swedish striker, has made it clear he wants a move to Arsenal, but his absence from pre-season training has sparked disciplinary consequences rather than negotiation breakthroughs, suggests reports from The Guardian. The 26-year-old, who netted 54 times in 52 appearances last season, failed to report back by Saturday’s 5pm deadline and now faces a club fine unless he can provide sufficient justification.

Sporting, however, were not blindsided. Gyökeres had already made his intentions known. Yet the Lisbon giants, in a commanding position both financially and competitively, have no pressing need to sell their top scorer. Having reclaimed their status with three Primeira Liga titles in five years and consistent Champions League participation, they are firmly planted at the top of Portuguese football. This leverage is being wielded powerfully in negotiations.

“If they don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value we are very comfortable with that for the next three years,” said Sporting president Frederico Varandas. It is not a bluff. Gyökeres has three years left on his contract and has become symbolic of their modern revival, with a staggering 97 goals in 102 games.

Photo IMAGO

Arsenal’s Summer Vision Faces Resistance

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are in clear need of further firepower. Noni Madueke is closing in on a £52 million move from Chelsea and will offer vital competition for Bukayo Saka. He has been granted early release from Club World Cup duties and is set to sign a five-year deal. Kepa Arrizabalaga has already joined from Chelsea earlier this month, but the marquee move in attack remains unfinished.

Arsenal see Gyökeres as the answer. His robust style, goal output and tenacity could add a ruthless streak to Arteta’s forward line. But Sporting’s €70 million (£60.2m) plus €10 million in add-ons demand is clear. A previous Arsenal offer of €65 million plus €15 million was rejected, despite it amounting to more in total. Sporting want structure, not just sum.

“We are calm,” Varandas said. “Everything can be resolved with the close of the transfer window, a heavy fine and an apology to the group.”

This is not merely about money, but control. “If the geniuses who are outlining this strategy think this puts pressure on me to ease the player’s exit, not only are they completely wrong but they’re also making the player’s exit conditions even more complicated,” Varandas added. “No one is above the club’s interests.”

Contract Talks and Future Creativity

Arsenal’s summer strategy goes beyond marquee signings. Talks continue over a new deal for Ethan Nwaneri, one of England’s brightest young talents, fresh from helping the Under-21s win the European Championship. He is expected to remain at Arsenal alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, despite interest from Germany and Chelsea.

There is also interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who could yet be the creative spark Arsenal still seek. His £67.5 million release clause would require another large outlay, though no formal offer has been submitted.

What is certain is that Arsenal’s ambitions this summer are clear. Whether their negotiating posture matches their aspirations remains to be seen.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is exactly what we’ve been missing for years – backbone and belief from the board. Sporting might be difficult negotiators, but it is refreshing to see Arsenal involved in a tug-of-war over genuinely elite talent like Viktor Gyökeres. Sixty goals a season strikers don’t come cheap, and Sporting know it. Fair play to them, they’re holding out for full value, and I respect that.

But now it’s time for Edu and Arteta to move decisively. Gyökeres would give us that cutting edge we lacked at crucial moments last season. With Saka and Madueke on the flanks and Gyökeres leading the line, that’s a terrifying front three. Kepa coming in is clever depth and Nwaneri staying shows the club is finally putting long-term vision and youth at the heart of its strategy.

It’s now or never for Arsenal. Pay up, bring him in, and make a real statement. If we want the league title or even a Champions League run, we need firepower. Let’s not penny-pinch when we’re this close.