Viktor Gyokeres gets brutal message from Sporting Lisbon as transfer edges closer

Viktor Gyokeres gets brutal message from Sporting Lisbon as transfer edges closer

Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal after the Gunners submitted an improved bid for the striker, who has not turned up to Sporting Lisbon training

Viktor Gyokeres. (Image: Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images )

Sporting Lisbon supporters have delivered a scathing message to Viktor Gyokeres as the forward edges closer to a return to the Premier League.

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The Sweden international has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but now appears to be closing in on a move to Arsenal after effectively going on strike in an attempt to push through the move.

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Prolonged talks between the clubs are ongoing, and Mirror Football reports that Arsenal have tabled an enhanced bid which would result in the player's representative accepting a significantly lower commission.

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Sporting fans have expressed their stance on the matter by unveiling several pointed banners directed at Gyokeres during their opening pre-season match against Celtic on Wednesday, a game Brendan Rodgers' team won 2-0.

Portuguese media outlet A Bola noted that one banner proclaimed: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay."

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Another declared: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are.", reports the Mirror.

Gyokeres has been a formidable scorer for Sporting, amassing 97 goals in 102 outings in all competitions since his transfer from Coventry in 2023 for approximately £20million.

The 27-year-old's contributions have seen Sporting clinch two league championships and a Taca de Portugal, yet his tenure could conclude on a bitter note as he faces a penalty for not attending pre-season training.

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"We're calm," Sporting president Frederico Varandas told Agencia Lusa. "Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine and an apology to the group. If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we'll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.

"If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave. No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are."

Gyokeres recently discussed his future aspirations with L'Equipe, expressing his ambition to establish himself in the Premier League after failing to make a single top-flight appearance during his stint at Brighton.

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"It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe," Gyokeres said. "I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. "So, of course, it's something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge.

He added: "It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it, we'll see what happens. If something is going to happen, it will happen. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.

"I'm definitely one of the [best strikers in the world ]. It's difficult to rank me but yes, I'm at the same table as them now. What I managed to do at Sporting, I'm convinced I can do anywhere. You haven't seen the best of Gyokeres yet."

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