Viktor Gyokeres transfer drama explained as tensions rise after 'messages exchanged'

There has been a lot of drama surrounding Viktor Gyokeres in recent days as speculation over his future continues amid links to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old striker has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and although it once seemed he might get his wish, that now appears increasingly unlikely. On Sunday, journalists gathered at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for Sporting's General Assembly, where questions about Gyokeres dominated the conversation.

"Sporting is very calm about Gyokeres, Sporting does not need to sell Gyokeres," Varandas said. "We have already passed the stage where we had to sell our best assets. We do not have to sell him. In the same way that we do not have to sell him, we are still sensitive to Viktor's dreams. Sporting has a commitment, made by the president, not to ask for the value of the termination clause and to be reasonable in relation to Viktor's performance last season.

"If you ask me today, there is a strong possibility that Viktor will leave. We have been keeping an eye on the market, I saw a player like [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go to Arsenal for €65million (£55million). I saw two players being sold in the Premier League - Matheus Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo - forwards who do not have the quality of Viktor, in my opinion, were sold for around €70million. We are talking about players who are 26 years old. So, given the demands we are making in relation to Viktor's value, I believe he could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world. Which I find hard to believe. I won't say what the price we asked for. It was communicated to the agent.

Varandas continued: "But I can guarantee that Viktor will not leave for €60million plus €10million. Viktor already knows and I want Sporting fans to take advantage of this summer, in which they are two-time champions, in which they have a double, to celebrate, to be calm. There are only two scenarios: one club respects the price requested by Sporting and Viktor will fulfil his dream, and from that moment we will be ready to attack the targets, or that club does not want Viktor, and Viktor, with a three-year contract, stays at Sporting and we will be very happy."

Those comments are said to have not gone down well with the player himself, and Portuguese newspaper Record has reported on the latest developments.