9 hours ago
13
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly called Sporting Lisbon's president Frederico Varandas to demand a move as the Swedish striker looks to force a summer transfer.
The 27-year-old is one of Europe's most in-demand forwards after netting 54 times in 52 appearances for Sporting last season and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
The Swede is believed to prefer a move to Arsenal, who have Champions League football to look forward to next season, instead of reuniting with Ruben Amorim at United.
However, his price-tag has proved to be a major stumbling block for any deal.
It is understood that Gyokeres believes he reached a gentleman's agreement with Sporting last summer that would see the Portuguese side accept accept a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) including add-ons at the end of the season.
But Sporting are now trying to hold out for a significantly higher fee - with Gyokeres having a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract.
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly called Sporting's president to demand a summer transfer
Sporting President Frederico Varandas previously accused him of trying to 'blackmail' the club
Gyokeres' price tag has proven to be a major stumbling block in wrapping up a summer move
While Gyokeres has pushed for a move, Varandas accused his team of attempting to 'blackmail' Sporting, while he reportedly threatened to go on strike after vowing to 'speak at the right time'.
Now Gyokeres has made his thoughts clear to Varandas in a phone call, where he told him he wants to join Arsenal and should be allowed to after giving everything for the club,' according to Portuguese outlet Record.
The Swede will refuse to return to Lisbon, having appealed to the president to understand the importance of the moment, and will 'never forgive those responsible' if a move to Arsenal breaks down,' the bombshell report claims.
The striker is also said to have emphasised a £60m transfer would provide significant profit on the £20m they signed him from Coventry for just two years ago.
Earlier this month, Varandas claimed that Sporting will not demand £84m for Gyokeres but allowing him to depart for £60m is also off the table as a war of words broke out.
'Sporting will not demand the release clause, but they should know me better by now,' Varandas said. 'Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.
The Swedish striker, 27, is said to prefer a move to Arsenal rather than reuniting with Amorim
The Swede has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since joining from Coventry
He is one of Europe's most in-demand forwards after netting 54 times in 52 games last season
'I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + €10m. He won't leave because I never allowed it, and the game his agent is playing will only make the situation worse.'
Varandas has denied a gentleman's agreement was ever in place as the transfer saga continues to turn ugly.
The Swede has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since joining from Coventry.
As well as Arsenal and United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Al-Hilal have also been linked with his signature.
