Viktor Gyokeres' team-mates not being surprised by his behaviour speaks volumes

Sporting CP's squad were reportedly unsurprised by Viktor Gyokeres' no-show at their pre-season training camp in the Algarve, fuelling speculation that a move to Arsenalis imminent.

The pursuit of Gyokeres, who boasts an impressive tally of 97 goals in just 102 appearances for Sporting, has been one of the main talking points of this summer's transfer window. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have shown interest in the forward as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

However, it appears that Gyokeres wasn't keen on a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford and following his absence from Sporting's pre-season activities this week, his agents are reportedly in London finalising a £69million deal with the Gunners.

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Arsenal are optimistic that they can wrap up the transfer by the end of the week, allowing the 27-year-old to join Mikel Arteta's squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore.

Gyokeres' decision to skip training didn't go down well, resulting in a hefty fine and an apology to his team-mates. Yet, it seems his colleagues had anticipated his absence, reports the Mirror.

Portuguese publication A Bola suggests that while Gyokeres' potential departure hasn't been openly discussed within the Sporting camp, many players expected him to miss pre-season due to his likely Premier League switch.

Rui Borges, Sporting's coach, reportedly did not expect Gyokeres to feature in his squad for the upcoming season and has been planning without him.

Even Sporting's president, Frederico Varandas, has openly spoken about the strong likelihood of Gyokeres moving on this summer, possibly to Arsenal.

"If you ask me today, there is a strong possibility that Viktor will leave," Varandas candidly revealed last month when asked about his star striker.

"In the last few weeks, we have been keeping an eye on the market. I saw a player like Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go to Arsenal for £56m.

"I saw two players being sold in the Premier League, Matheus Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo, forwards who do not have the quality of Viktor, in my opinion. [They] were sold for around £65m. We are talking about players who are 26 years old."

"So, given the demands we make in relation to Viktor's value, I believe he could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world. Which I find hard to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world."

While strong signs point towards Gyokeres donning an Arsenal shirt next term, a disagreement over additional fees seems to be stalling the proceedings.

Reports from Portugal indicate that Sporting desire achievable add-ons within the deal, while Arsenal are apparently holding out, causing a deadlock between the two sides over these terms.