Frederico Varandas, president of Sports CP, has declined to report on preseason training, indicating that Victor Gökeres will incur a fine after his recent actions on Saturday.
According to ESPN on Monday, Gyökeres is close to transferring to Arsenal, following productive discussions with the club. He has also attracted the attention of Manchester United this summer, although they are currently focusing on securing Brentford’s Brian Mbemo.
Sources revealed to ESPN that Gyökeres has consented to personal terms with Arsenal for a five-year deal after the club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, traveled to Portugal for a face-to-face meeting.
However, reports from Portugal indicate that negotiations have hit a snag, preventing Gyökeres from attending preseason training this past Saturday.
Varandas stated that Gyökeres’s decision might bolster the club’s resolve regarding their desired transfer fee.
“We remain unbothered,” Varandas told the Portuguese news agency Lusa. “The market deadlines, significant fines, and apologies to the team will all be addressed.”
“If they are unwilling to meet Viktor’s fair market value, we are perfectly fine holding onto him for the next three years.”
“If they believe this tactic will pressure him into an easier departure, they are misguided and only complicate matters further for players wanting to leave.”
“No player takes precedence over the club’s financial interests. Period.”
Celtic, Scotland’s champions, will play a friendly match at Estadio Algarve on Wednesday.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
### Fan Take
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the complexities of player transfers and club negotiations, illustrating the often-turbulent nature of the sport’s market. The outcome of Gyökeres’s transfer saga could reshape team dynamics and impact upcoming seasons, making it a critical moment for both Arsenal and Sports CP.
