Man Utd and Arsenal 'offered Viktor Gyokeres discount' as Sporting chief speaks out

Sporting CP president Federico Varandas has broken silence on Viktor Gyokeres' future, hinting for the first time that the Swede could be let go for less than his hefty release fee. The Swedish striker is at the heart of a fierce battle between Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.

Gyokeres is eager to part ways with the Portuguese club amid rumours he went on strike to force an exit, believing Sporting reneged on a promise to sell him for a lower price. Despite attempts to mend fences, Gyokeres snubbed a meeting aimed at clearing the air earlier in the month.

Varandas has now come forward once more, suggesting that Gyokeres is likely to leave before the transfer window shuts, confirming that he can be sold for under his £85.4million release clause.

"Sporting is calm regarding this matter," Varandas stated. "Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyookeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.

"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.

"Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won't disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won't leave, absolutely not.

"In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for 65 million, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75 million euros. We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don't believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world."

Both Arsenal and United are hot on the heels of Gyokeres this summer, yet the Gunners face competition after their initial bid for the Swedish forward was rejected.

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RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko remains an alternative target for Arsenal, with the German club seemingly willing to negotiate a lower fee for the Slovenian striker.

Gyokeres has also been linked with a switch to Real Madrid, although it appears the Spanish giants have decided against swooping for his signature.