Viktor Gyokeres is being chased by Arsenal and Manchester United and his relationship with Sporting Lisbon has been demolished in recent weeks in the midst of competing agendas
The difficult and long -term output of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon continues to become even more bitter after the striker had sent a legal letter to his employers. Gyokeres will leave sportingly in the summer transfer window, but the question of what his estate will be as soon as he leaves, is still to be seen in the midst of a word war.
In principle, Arsenal and Sporting have agreed a deal worth an initial £ 55 million plus £ 8.6 million in add-ons and bonuses for gyokeres. But Gunners Sporting Director Andrea Berta and Sporting Chiefs have so far not delivered a full agreement on the composition of the costs.
That may have opened the door for Manchester United, who at the last minute submitted their own bid in an attempt to hijack the move. Reports in Portugal State that United has submitted their own offer worth € 70-80 million (£ 60-69 million) while trying to get a reunion for Ruben Amorim and his former sporting striker.
It is still to be seen whether the last attempts from United will flourish, but one thing is certain: Gyokees has burned its bridges at Sporting. The 27-year-old striker has been desperate to get his exit sealed and is willing to wage war with sporty President Federico Varandas to get what he wants.
The two were exchanged by the Portuguese press during the summer, with the most important conflict aimed at an assumed men's agreement they had. Gyokees feels that Varandas had agreed to let him go if a buyer has canceled € 60 million plus € 10 million, but the club chief once rejected that.
Gyokees has since gone into strike and refuses to appear for training for the season with sport, and says he will never play for them again. Sporting has therefore started disciplinary procedures against their striker.
Record now says that Gyokeres, through his legal representatives, has issued a legal letter in response. It states his case that Varandas is the fault of his absence because he went back to his word.
It is a messy situation that arose because the Portuguese club tries to get the best possible compensation for their star. He is under contract until June 2028 and Varandas liked to play hard ball in negotiations – and makes his position in public. “If they do not want to pay Viktor's real market value, we will be very comfortable there for the next three years,” he said recently.
“This strategy also makes it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are. We are calm. Everything will be solved with the market closing, a big fine and an apology to the group.”
He added: “I am better one thing that you should already know. Threats, blackmail and insults do not work with me.
“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for € 60 million+10m because I have never promised it. This game that the agent plays only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had no offer for Viktor Gyokees, nor last season.”