Viktor Gyokeres has yet to report for pre-season training at Sporting, with sources confirming to Sporting News that the striker is holding off on returning to the club’s Cristiano Ronaldo Academy amid ongoing interest from Arsenal.

The 26-year-old was due to join up with his teammates on Monday, when Sporting’s international players returned following the summer break.

However, Gyokeres was granted permission to skip the initial sessions and was instead expected to travel directly to the club’s pre-season camp in the Algarve, where training will take place in Lagos.

Arsenal remain firmly interested in signing Gyokeres and over the weekend sent sporting director Andrea Berta to Lisbon in an effort to move negotiations forward. Talks were held, but the two clubs remain apart on the financial details of a potential deal.

Sporting are demanding 80 million euros (£68m / $87m) in total. Arsenal’s current offer is worth 65 million euros (£55m / $71m) guaranteed, with an additional 15 million euros (£13m / $16m) in performance-based bonuses.

The Portuguese side however, want 70 million euros (£60m / $76m) fixed and 10 million euros (£8.5m / $11m) in variables, and have made it clear they will not compromise on that valuation.

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There had been an expectation that Gyokeres would report to the Algarve camp on Saturday, alongside under-21 internationals Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder, who represented Portugal and Denmark respectively at the European Under-21 Championship.

Will Arsenal make a new offer for Gyokores?

However, club sources admit it is now unlikely that the Sweden international will travel, with the chances of a strike looking highly likely.

Mikel Arteta’s side are keen to strengthen their attack ahead of the pre-season tour and remain confident that a deal will be agreed in the coming week.