Sporting chief makes Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres feelings clear with bold comment

Sporting president, Frederico Varandas, has dismissed any rumours of a feud with Viktor Gyokeres following the striker's transfer to Arsenal. The Swedish player was absent from pre-season training as Arsenal and the Portuguese club were locked in negotiations over his move. The protracted saga saw both sides struggling to agree on the terms of the deal.

Speaking about the situation at the time, Varandas stated: "We're calm. If they (clubs) don't want to pay the fair market price for Viktor Gyokeres, we will be very comfortable with that for the next three years." Eventually, Gyokeres was granted his desired move to the Premier League, albeit under somewhat strained circumstances. However, it seems that any tension between the two parties has since been resolved.

Varandas has praised the 27-year-old as a club legend after just two seasons in Lisbon, during which he netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances. "I sent a message to congratulate Gyokeres," he revealed to reporters this week.

"Gyokeres will always be a legend for this club, and as Sporting president, I will always defend the legends [who have represented the club.]".

"Viktor was one of the greatest professionals I had here until the end of last season. He is a legend of Sporting and one of the best players in the club's history."

Gyokeres has inked a five-year contract with the Gunners, who will shell out an initial €63.5 million (£55m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.

The club believes it has secured an excellent deal for the player, whose determination to join remained consistent and strong throughout. So far, the Sweden international has scored two goals in the last three games and has started every Premier League match.

"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club," Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said upon the player's arrival. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.

"Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.

"He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat. We're excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal."