Gyokeres Faces Disciplinary Action Amidst Arsenal Transfer Speculation

LISBON: Sporting CP’s president, Frederico Varandas, has stated that Viktor Gyökeres will be disciplined following his late return to pre-season training. The repercussions will include a significant financial penalty and a formal apology.

The 26-year-old Swedish international, reportedly a target for Premier League team Arsenal, was due to arrive at the club’s Algarve training camp on July 12, after an extended leave.

However, his failure to appear has drawn a firm reaction from Sporting’s management.

Varandas commented, “We are calm about this. The issue will be resolved when the transfer window closes, with a substantial fine, and an apology to the team.”

Gyökeres, who had an impressive 54-goal season, has three years remaining on his current contract with the Portuguese champions.

Despite increasing rumors surrounding a potential transfer, Varandas clarified that the club would resist any pressure to accept offers below the player’s market value.

“If clubs are unwilling to pay what Viktor is fairly worth, we are content to keep him for the next three years.”

Varandas also criticized the strategies employed to force a transfer, implying that those involved are misjudging their methods.

“If the individuals behind this strategy believe they can pressure me to facilitate an exit, they are mistaken and are complicating the player’s departure,” stated Varandas.

“Nobody’s interests supersede those of the club.”

Since his arrival at Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, Gyökeres has netted 97 goals in 102 appearances and has been instrumental in Sporting securing consecutive Primeira Liga titles in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons.

Sporting is scheduled to play a pre-season match against Celtic at Estádio Algarve on Wednesday.