Arsenal handed timely boost to complete Viktor Gyokeres deal after Sporting CP 'decision'

Sporting Clube de Portugal have reportedly allowed Viktor Gyokeres to delay his return to pre-season, amid speculation that he may not return at all.

The Arsenal target was said to be left furious at the handling of the transfer situation has expressed his dissatisfaction at the current dealings with the club following comments from president Frederico Varandas.

Reports have suggested that the 'pact' between the club and the player was breached, which would have allowed him to leave the club for €70million (£59m).

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But Sporting are now believed to be holding out for a fee of around €80million (£69m) for their talisman.

However, Portuguese newspaper A Bola has suggested that Sporting could be willing to negotiate the €80m fee through 'realistic variables' - potentially suggesting a €70m (£60m) base fee plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons.

Sporting players are expected to report for pre-season training on Monday, July 7, but new reports from Portugal state that is not the case for the Sweden international.

It's claimed that Gyokeres has been allowed to return on July 11 - just a day before the squad departs for their training camp in the Algarve.

But there is doubt over whether the striker will return at all, with Portuguese newspaper Record reporting that Gyokeres is 'determined not to return.'

They also note that the player's 'decision' has been communicated to Varandas 'regardless of the fact the Lions have changed the presentation date from July 7 to July 11.'

On Saturday, football.london reported Arsenal's intention to wrap up a deal for the 27-year-old before their trip to Asia for their pre-season tour on July 19.

Gyokeres' delayed return could offer the Gunners a much-needed boost to complete a deal next week.

The clock is ticking, and in just under two weeks, Mikel Arteta's side will fly to Asia for their pre-season preparations

The Swede, who is thought to favour a move to the Emirates, has already snubbed lucrative offers from Al Hilal and Al Qadisiyah, who were prepared to offer him millions.

Whether his time in Lisbon is coming to an end after just two seasons at Sporting, however, remains to be seen.