Are Sporting Playing A Game They Can’t Win?

🚨 The Loose Cannon Not-So-Exclusive 🚨

Gyokeres Goes Rogue: Swedish Striker Refuses to Train as Arsenal Transfer Boils Over

Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has reached a boiling point, with the Swedish striker taking matters into his own hands—by refusing to show up for training at Sporting CP. That's right, according to transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano, the 26-year-old frontman has made it crystal clear: he's done with Sporting and only wants to wear red and white under Mikel Arteta.

It's been an eventful summer at the Emirates already. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have all checked in, with Noni Madueke's move from Chelsea expected to go through shortly. Yet Arsenal aren't done—they're still chasing a centre-back (with Cristhian Mosquera in the frame), another winger, and, of course, a headline striker.

But while the Gunners and Sporting remain deadlocked over Gyokeres' price tag, the man himself has taken the nuclear option.

🗣 Romano: "The Deal is Absolutely On"

Romano reported earlier this week that the move is still alive despite a "small gap" in valuation between Arsenal and Sporting. But the bigger news? Gyokeres is done waiting.

"Viktor Gyokeres will not show up in training anymore for Sporting," said Romano.

"His intention is very clear – it's valid for today, tomorrow, and any other day at this stage of the window. He only wants Arsenal."

The Swedish striker has reportedly agreed a five-year deal with the Gunners until 2030. But with Sporting now said to be upping their asking price, Gyokeres is not playing ball—literally or figuratively. According to Romano's latest update, the forward informed the Sporting president of his intentions five days ago.

⚖️ Trouble in Lisbon?

There could be legal fireworks on the horizon. Sporting might try to flex their muscles and sanction Gyokeres for skipping training. Joao Caido Guerreiro, a lawyer and columnist for A Bola, has suggested the club could technically go as far as dismissing the striker without compensation if the absences persist.

"Missing training without justification is an infraction," Guerreiro explained. "Five consecutive unjustified absences or ten interpolated absences are sufficient grounds for dismissal with cause."

But there's a catch: players can often pull the "personal emergency" card—medical reasons, family matters, or general 'life happened' excuses.

💣 Gyokeres' Gamble

Here's the kicker: some believe this is exactly what Gyokeres wants. A dismissal would free him up completely and allow him to join Arsenal on a free transfer—a disastrous outcome for Sporting, who are currently clinging to a valuation of around €65 million.

"Dismissal would be terrible for Sporting," Guerreiro warned. "A financial asset worth €65 million could instantly become worth zero."

So what now? Arsenal are biding their time, the player is making a stand, and Sporting may soon be forced into a corner they desperately want to avoid.

From the outside, it looks like a messy divorce. But for Arsenal fans, it's beginning to smell like opportunity. The striker's intent couldn't be clearer—and if Edu and Arteta play their cards right, they may just land one of Europe's most explosive frontmen for a fraction of the fee.

Viktor wants Arsenal. Arsenal want Viktor. Sporting? They might not have a choice.

🔴⚪ Stay tuned to The Loose Cannon for all the latest updates as this saga unfolds…