Arsenal face major transfer decision as Viktor Gyokeres left 'furious' over summer move

Arsenal could be placed on red alert in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements following reports that Viktor Gyokeres may not return to Sporting CP for pre-season training. Reports in Portugal suggest that the Swedish talisman will be allowed extra time to recover while his clubmates report for preparations ahead of their Liga Portugal title defence.

The 27-year-old is said to be furious at the handling of the transfer situation that is unfolding in Lisbon and has expressed his dissatisfaction at the current dealings with the club. Reports suggest that it lead to an intervention from the clubs' hierarchy.

Arsenal are in hot pursuit of bolstering their frontline after their profligacy issues were laid bare in another failed Premier League title pursuit.

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Benjamin Sesko and Gyokeres have been repeatedly linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium this summer with Mikel Arteta intent of improving his squad, that have finished runners-up in each of the last three season's.

Speculation surrounding Sesko has simmered with reports that a deal slowed with the suggestion that the Slovenian is demanding high wages.

There may be room to act on Gyokeres' future, with A Bolareporting that the Sweden international may not report for pre-season, something he is weighing up, at the start of July, despite formal proposals yet to be made to Sporting.

The saga has dragged on throughout the season and into the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that the 'pact' between the club and the player was breached, which would have allowed him to leave the club for €70million (£59m).

Manchester United have been heavily linked with the striker this month, as Ruben Amorim looks to go on a summer splurge in order to catapult themselves back up the Premier League table following a torrid campaign.

However, reports have suggested that Gyokeres has turned down a reunion with the tactician who brought him to the Portuguese capital in favour of a move to North London.

A Bola add that Juventus are interested in Gyokeres'services too as his future reaches a decisive point at Sporting.

New head coach Rui Borges has been forced to face questions regarding the talisman's future for a number of months after his whopping 39-goal return in their title-winning season.

"Gyokeres? Sporting's future begins on July 1st," he told reporters, earlier this month. "That's all I can say and today I'm here to, above all, salute this tribute that was paid to me. That's all. I'm on vacation, I'm not here to talk about that."

However, his comments earlier in the campaign were a lot more telling regarding the uncertainty surrounding Gyokeres.

"Viktor is a player... I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years," he said.

"He is clearly above average. Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are.

"Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.

"I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.

"The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.

"He is the best in the league, clearly. There are no adjectives to describe Viktor.

"He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates.

"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest. Maybe today he could rest.

"It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and teammate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."