Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners ‘join race for Ekitike’, Partey set to LEAVE club, Sesko’s ‘price tag DROPPED’

Sporting president standing firm

Sporting Lisbon president Federico Varandas is standing firm on his asking price for Viktor Gyokeres.

And although the big boss won’t reveal how much he is asking for, he has ensured suitors that it won’t be for less than the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

He told O Jogo: “Sporting does not need to sell him, but we remain sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and any of our athletes.

“After weeks of meetings, we are not asking for the release clause and will be reasonable regarding the price we ask for Viktor. Today, I believe there is a strong probability he will leave.

‘We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65million.

“I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor’s market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75million.

“Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.”