Sporting Club president Frederico Varandas has addressed Viktor Gyökeres’ absence from pre-season training amid strong transfer links to Arsenal.
The Swedish striker, who scored 43 goals in all competitions last season, is reportedly keen to force a move to the Premier League side by refusing to report for training with Sporting. Arsenal have made approaches, with offers believed to be in the region of €65–70 million plus add-ons. However, Sporting remain firm in their valuation, holding out for a figure closer to €80 million, despite earlier suggestions of a €100 million release clause.
Varandas made it clear that the club will not be pressured into selling. “If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're very comfortable with that for the next three years,” he said, referring to Gyökeres’ contract, which runs until 2028. He criticised the player's current stance, stating, “This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”
Despite the situation, Varandas insists that the club is remaining calm. He confirmed that Sporting will take disciplinary action, adding, “We're calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.” The president’s remarks underline Sporting’s refusal to be drawn into transfer negotiations on terms that do not align with their valuation of the player. Other clubs including Manchester United, Juventus, and Al Hilal have also been linked with Gyökeres, but no formal offers have materialised outside of Arsenal’s bid.
No comments:
Post a Comment