Gyokeres greeted with brutal messages from supporters ahead of Arsenal transfer

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to join Arsenal this summer and Sporting Lisbon fans have made their feelings clear on the move by displaying banners during a pre-season friendly against Celtic

Sporting Lisbon fans have sent a brutal message to Viktor Gyokeres, with the striker closing in on a move to Arsenal. Gyokeres is desperate to join the Gunners and has essentially gone on strike to try and force through a transfer.

There have been protracted negotiations between the two clubs and Mirror Football understands that Arsenal have submitted an improved offer that will see the player's agent take a vastly reduced cut.

And Sporting fans have now made their feelings clear on the situation after displaying several banners aimed at Gyokeres during their first pre-season friendly against Celtic on Wednesday, which Brendan Rodgers ' side won 2-0.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the first banner read: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay." Another banner stated: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are."

Gyokeres has proved a prolific goalscorer during his time at Sporting, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions since joining the club from Coventry back in 2023 for around £20million.

The 27-year-old has helped Sporting win two league titles and a Taca de Portugal during his time at the club, but things could end on a sour note as he is set to be hit with a fine after refusing to turn up to pre-season training.

"We're calm," Sporting president Frederico Varandas told Agencia Lusa. "Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a hefty fine and an apology to the group. If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we'll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.

"If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave. No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are."

Gyokeres was recently asked about his future in an interview with L'Equipe and spoke of his desire to prove himself in the Premier League, having not made a single appearance in the top flight during his time at Brighton.

"It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe," Gyokeres said. "I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. "So, of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge.

He continued: "It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it, we'll see what happens. If something is going to happen, it will happen. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.

"I'm definitely one of the [best strikers in the world ]. It's difficult to rank me but yes, I'm at the same table as them now. What I managed to do at Sporting, I'm convinced I can do anywhere. You haven't seen the best of Gyokeres yet."