Viktor Gyokeres has taken legal action against Sporting CP as his Arsenal transfer saga takes another unexpected turn.
The Swedish striker is desperate to leave the Portuguese champions this summer, but his departure has turned into an open clash with the club's management. In order to force the transfer, the Gyökeres have gone on strike, refusing to show up for pre-season training.
Arsenal and Sporting have agreed an initial fee of £55m, but negotiations are continuing over how the additional £8.7m in add-ons will be structured.
The relationship between Gyokere and Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly deteriorated in recent weeks, with numerous reports from the Portuguese media.
What is happening now?
Gyokeres has a €100m release clause in his contract, but believed there was a "gentleman's agreement" that would allow him to leave for a lower fee, around €60m plus €10m in bonuses.
Varandas has denied the existence of this agreement but has admitted that the player could leave for less than the clause.
In response, Gyokeres has made it clear to Sporting that he will no longer play for the club. After refusing to show up for training, Sporting has initiated legal proceedings against him.
Now, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, the legal representatives of Gyokere have submitted an official letter accusing president Varandas of not respecting the agreement agreed upon for the player's departure.
Will the transfer to Arsenal still happen?
Despite all these clashes, it seems inevitable that Gyokeres will move to Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal have already started their pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong, where Mikel Arteta was asked about Gyokeres, but was reserved, saying:
"I can't comment on a player who is not yet part of our group. When we have something concrete, we will announce it."
However, Arteta has been publicly looking for a new striker since January, and a player who scored 39 goals in 33 league games last season is seen as the ideal reinforcement.
Arsenal have already made several approaches this summer:
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Martin Zubimendi
Christian Norgaard
Noni madueke
Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera is expected to join Arsenal soon. /GazetaExpress/
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