Andrea Berta - Arsenal - Chelsea
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Arsenal are set to step up their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres with an improved bid, but face growing competition from Manchester United, according to reports from Portugal.
Earlier this week, Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta met with Sporting’s football chief Bernardo Palmeiro in Menorca to negotiate a deal for the prolific Swedish forward. Arsenal’s opening proposal, worth €55 million (£46.8m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons, was swiftly rejected by the Portuguese club.
Sporting have indicated they are willing to sell Gyokeres for less than his €100 million (£85.1m) release clause, but are holding out for a fee closer to €80 million (£68.1m). According toMaisfutebol, Arsenal are now preparing an enhanced offer totalling €70 million (£59.6m) including bonuses, with new negotiations expected to take place in the coming days.
There is reportedly “growing optimism” in Gyokeres’ camp that a deal with Arsenal can be reached, despite rising interest from other clubs.
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Manchester United have also entered the race and have made their own proposal to Sporting: €60 million (£51.1m) up front with an additional €10 million (£8.5m) in potential add-ons. However, United’s lack of European football next season is considered a significant drawback in their pitch to the player. Talks between Gyokeres and Sporting are said to have encountered “obstacles,” casting further doubt over a move to Old Trafford.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Gyokeres, who netted an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, has become one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. Yet the transfer saga took another twist this week as Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly criticised the player’s agent, accusing him of spreading misinformation and attempting to pressure the club into a lower sale.
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“It was agreed that Sporting would not demand the release clause at the end of the following season, especially because he was going to be 27,” Varandas explained. “Then, we knew Viktor’s dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League, and we have common sense. We guaranteed we would not demand €100 million.
“But in that meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the departure to a value. He spoke of €60 million, €70 million. I said there’s no point setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand €100 million.
“Now I see the agent in the press spreading information. But one thing you should know is that I am better. Threats, blackmail, and insults don’t work with me. Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m. I never promised him that.”
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