Sporting fans send brutal message to Viktor Gyokeres amid Arsenal transfer saga

Viktor Gyokeres’ dream of playing in the Premier League for Arsenal seems to have offended some fans who once adore him at Sporting Lisbon.

The 27-year-old has been at loggerheads with the senior figures at the Lisbon-based club this summer over his protracted £63.5million move to north London. Gyokeres refused to return to pre-season training last Friday as he aims to force a move to Arsenal.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas subsequently threatened the striker with disciplinary action, but it appears that Gyokeres will get the move he has been angling for.

The club fans have now vent their anger on Gyokeres who scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 games for the reigning Portuguese champions. The Swedish forward has been targeted by frustrated fans keen to voice their displeasure at how his exit is due to play out.

Sporting Lisbon fans held a banner to send a message to Viktor Gyokeres (Credit: X)

During Sporting’s opening pre-season friendly against Celtic at the Estadio Algarve on Wednesday, fans unfurled two banners appearing to take aim at Gyokeres.

In the match that Celtic went on to win 2-0, fans stuck it to the outgoing striker while standing firmly behind their club.

The first banner read: “I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay.”

Fans revealed another banner during the second half, with the message saying: “No one is above the club’s interests, no matter who they are.”

Second banner displayed by Sporting fans (Credit: X)

Talks are advanced between Arsenal and Sporting as they look to finalise the structure of the add-ons.

Arsenal have already secured the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga for a combined fee of £70m.

And there looks set to be another trio of fresh faces through the door over the next week with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera set to join Gyokeres at the Emirates.