OFFICIAL: Viktor Gyökeres has now joined Arsenal on a surprising free transfer after a disagreement with his club’s president. The player is currently in London to complete his medical today. Big winning for Gunners
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres “will not show up” to Sporting CP training as a free transfer is discussed.
The Gunners have already tied up deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard this summer, while Noni Madueke is set to officially join from Chelsea in the coming days.
Arsenal are also looking to bring in a centre-back, another winger and a centre-forward with deals for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera and Sporting CP striker Gyokeres stalling.
The Gunners and Sporting are yet to agree a fee for Gyokeres with the Sweden international frustrated that they have increased their demands for him this summer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano brought a promising update on the situation surrounding Gyokeres earlier in the week with a transfer to Arsenal “absolutely on”.
Romano explained: “Arsenal remain in conversations with Sporting for the striker and the deal is absolutely on.
There is still a small gap in valuation, still a gap between the two clubs, so it’s a work in progress between Arsenal and Sporting to reach an agreement.
Lawyer and A Bola columnist Joao Caido Guerreiro has revealed that there could be a scenario, although very unlikely, that Sporting could pursue “dismissal without compensation” if Gyokeres refuses to turn up for training
Guerreiro said: “Missing training without justification is an infraction, and five consecutive unjustified absences or ten interpolated absences are sufficient grounds for dismissal with cause.
However, the law allows for various justifications. Gyokeres can always provide some justification:
a family problem, the need to accompany a relative to the doctor, etc. The list of justifications is long.”
He added: “But the player announced the absence early, and the reason is that he wants to go to Arsenal. This limits his justifications.
If he misses, Sporting could even fine him, or if the absences continue, apply more severe sanctions. Including dismissal without compensation.
“But that’s what Gyokeres wants. And dismissal would be terrible for Sporting : a financial asset, because the player is a club asset, would go from being worth €65 million, the value of Arsenal’s offer, to being worth zero!”
