£69m star refuses to train amid Arsenal interest

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has refused to return for pre-season training amid interest from Arsenal, according to A Bola.

The Sweden international had a fabulous 2024/25 campaign with Sporting. He scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions.

He is reportedly keen on pursuing a bigger challenge and reports claim that he is hellbent on joining the Gunners before the window closes.

Arsenal are prepared to meet Sporting's £69m valuation for the striker, but there is presently a disagreement over the fixed package.

The gap is reportedly around £4.3m between the clubs.

It is now reported that Gyokeres has no desire to play for Sporting anymore and won't be reporting for the pre-season training camp.

He has conveyed the message to president Frederico Varandas and won't be present with the first-team squad over the weekend.

Arsenal are likely to return to the negotiation table with Sporting as manager Mikel Arteta may want a new striker soon.