Viktor Gyokeres 'decision made' by Sporting as Arsenal and Man Utd circle

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly been given permission to skip the first week of Sporting’s pre-season preparations while Arsenal and Manchester United continue to pursue a transfer. Sporting continue to play hardball over the Sweden international’s future, but are claimed to have made a concession over his summer plans.

Arsenal are reportedly Gyokeres' preferred destination, but the Gunners are understood to be unwilling to pay Sporting's valuation of £68million. It comes weeks after Frederico Varandas, the Portuguese club's president, denied that there was a 'gentleman's agreement' for the 27-year-old to leave for a little under £60m this summer. At the time, the player was reported to be 'furious' over the situation. Portuguese publications claimed that he was even prepared to go on strike in an effort to force through a move to the Premier League.

Sporting expected Gyokeres to arrive for pre-season training with the rest of his team-mates on July 1. However, Portuguese publication O Jogo claims that they have now made a concession and will allow the former Brighton and Coventry star to join their camp a week later.

The report speculates that the decision is due to Gyokeres' involvement with the Swedish national team earlier this month. But he was not actually part of Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad for friendlies against Hungary and Algeria. After initially being called up, Gyokeres pulled out with what was described as a 'minor' injury. It is unclear whether the fitness issue is the real reason behind Sporting's reported decision.

Arsenal and United are strong admirers of Gyokeres. However, neither have been able to make progress over a transfer fee. An opening offer of £48m, in addition to bonuses, was made by the Gunners earlier this summer. Sporting want £68m, which is £18m less than the player's release clause.

Gyokeres has proven to be a bargain for Sporting, who signed him from Championship club Coventry in 2023. He has gone on to score a staggering 97 goals in 102 games in Portugal.

Arsenal's pursuit of a striker is driven by their struggles without a recognised No. 9 in the second half of last season. Benjamin Sesko is also a target for the Premier League runners-up.

RB Leipzig are also holding out for a sizeable fee for the Slovenia international, who is five years younger than Gyokeres at 22. German publication Bild claim that Leipzig have recently softened their asking price, which was in the region of £68-85m.

United have also been linked but already have centre-forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on their books. The Red Devils are hoping to conclude a move for Brentford wide man Bryan Mbeumo soon, having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal.