Viktor Gyökeres is close to securing a Premier League return, with Arsenal submitting an improved offer to Sporting Lisbon for the striker.
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The Swedish forward, who joined Sporting from Coventry in 2023, has reportedly skipped training to force through the transfer move.
Sporting Lisbon fans responded angrily during their pre-season clash with Celtic, unveiling harsh banners aimed at their top goal-scorer.
One message read, “I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay,” clearly directed at Gyökeres.
Another banner added, “No one is above the club’s interests,” echoing Sporting president Frederico Varandas’ hard-line stance on the matter.
Despite scoring 97 goals in just 102 games, Gyökeres risks ending his Lisbon spell on poor terms by refusing to train, reports Manchester Evening News.
Varandas said Arsenal must meet the player’s market value or expect Gyökeres to remain with Sporting for the next three years.
He warned that no one, including the striker’s representatives, will succeed by using pressure tactics to force a discounted transfer.
Gyökeres expressed his desire to prove himself in the Premier League after a failed stint at Brighton earlier in his career.
With negotiations ongoing, Arsenal look increasingly likely to land their long-term striker target before the window closes.
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