Viktor Gyokeres 'sends legal letter' as Arsenal transfer saga takes yet another shock twist
Viktor Gyokeres has taken legal action as his proposed transfer to Arsenal takes another twist.
The Swedish striker wants to leave Sporting CP this summer, but his proposed exit has created a struggle between himself and club executives.
In an attempt to force the move, Gyokeres went on strike earlier this month, refusing to report for pre-season training.
Arsenal, who are desperate to add a striker this summer, and Sporting have now agreed an initial fee of £55m.
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But talks between the clubs are continuing over the structure of the add-ons, with Sporting hoping to secure another potential £8.7m in add-ons.
Gyokeres' relationship with Sporting president Federico Varandas has publicly soured in recent weeks, with several reports in the Portuguese press.
Although the 27-year-old has a €100 million release clause in his contract, he believed there was a gentleman's agreement allowing him to leave for a lower fee.
According to Portuguese reports, Gyokeres believed he would be allowed to leave if a club offered €60 million (£51 million), plus €10 million (£8 million) in add-ons.
Varandas denied that any agreement existed, but admitted the club would sell for less than the full release clause.
Gyokeres responded by telling Sporting he would not play for the club again.
After he refused to report for pre-season training, the Portuguese champions initiated legal action against the player.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres' legal representatives have now issued a legal letter.
In the document, the striker blames Varandas not honouring the supposed gentleman's agreement for his refusal to report for pre-season.
Will he still join Arsenal?
Despite the ongoing saga, it does feel inevitable that Gyokeres will join Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners have already departed on their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong, where manager Mikel Arteta was asked about Gyokeres.
He said: "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet.
"When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that."
Although he remained coy on Gyokeres, Arteta publicly called on the Arsenal hierarchy to add a striker back in the January transfer window.
And a forward who scored 39 league goals in 33 games last year would offer a much-needed boost to Arteta's side.
They have already made several additions this summer with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.
Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera is also set to make the switch to North London.
Topics: Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Transfer News, Football, Sporting CP, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
James Taylor