Sporting CP president breaks silence on Viktor Gyokeres 'row' amid Arsenal 'negotiations'

Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas has insisted that nobody is above the club as Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal transfer saga continues.

The Sweden international is yet to report back to pre-season training with the Portuguese club amid Arsenal's ongoing talks with Sporting over a transfer. The Gunners remain interested in striking a deal for Gyokeres but are yet to agree about the structure of the deal.

Amid all the delay, the 27-year-old did not report for pre-season training on Friday. Sporting had hoped the striker would join the squad before their trip to the Algarve on Saturday, but that didn’t happen either.

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Speaking to Agencia Lusa (via Record), Varandas addressed the current situation. "We're calm. Everything will be resolved when the window closes, a hefty fine and an apology to the group," he detailed.

"If they [clubs] don't want to pay the fair market price for Viktor Gyokeres, we will be very comfortable with that for the next three years.

"If someone puts pressure on me to facilitate a departure, they are also making the player's exit even more complicated. Nobody is above the club. Whoever they are."

Sporting travelled to Lagos in the Algarve on Saturday afternoon, where they will hold their training camp until July 21.

During that time, they will play friendlies against Portimonense, Celtic, Farense, and Sunderland - all indicating they will be without their prized asset.

In a recent interview with L'Equipe this week, Gyokeres revealed his desire to return to England.

"Premier League? It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe," he said.

"I was there for several years without being able to play a single game. So, of course it's something I'd like to do. It would be great revenge."

Asked about the possibility of leaving Sporting this summer, he added: "It could happen. It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it, we'll see what happens.

"If something has to happen, it will happen. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me."