Arsenal's Pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres Faces Complications Amid Sporting Disciplinary Action

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Viktor Gyokeres, a target for Arsenal, is facing disciplinary measures from his club Sporting after failing to attend pre-season training, according to the club's president, Frederico Varandas.

Varandas mentioned that any potential transfer is becoming "more complicated." Last week, BBC Sport reported that Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, engaged in face-to-face discussions with the Sweden international in Portugal.

Sources indicate that negotiations are ongoing with Arsenal, who remain hopeful of securing a deal. Their latest proposal for the 27-year-old is approximately 70 million euros (£60 million), including add-ons.

Last month, Sporting's president stated that there was no existing 'gentleman's agreement' for Gyokeres to depart for 70 million euros, but he also noted that the club would not insist on his full release clause of 100 million euros (£85 million).

Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, has not yet publicly addressed his absence from pre-season training.

Varandas told the Portuguese news agency Lusa that "no one is above the interests of the club."

"We remain calm. Everything can be resolved with the market's closure, a substantial fine, and an apology to the team," Varandas stated.

"If they are unwilling to pay Viktor's fair market value, we are quite comfortable with that for the next three years. If those strategizing this think it pressures me to facilitate his departure, they are not only mistaken but also complicating the player's exit."

Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 matches over his two seasons in Portugal, helping Sporting clinch two league titles.

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