Central to Gyökeres’s frustrations is a belief that he had an agreement with Sporting president Frederico Varandas to sell him for a certain fee, believed to be around €70 million (£60.4 million, $82 million). Varandas has publicly insisted Gyökeres will not be sold for such a price.

Viktor Gyokeres has taken the drastic step of reportedly not reporting for pre-season training with Sporting Clube de Portugal as Arsenal pursue a move. Sporting had given the striker an extended break - changing his return date from July 7 to July 11.