Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Arsenal have reportedly put their move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres on hold, despite the Swedish forward turning down an approach from Manchester United in favour of a switch to the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bring in a top-class striker this summer and has promised supporters a transformative transfer window. “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,” Arteta said earlier this year. “The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big… now we want to increase the depth of the squad, but also the quality and skills to go to the next step.”
Gyokeres, 27, had emerged as Arsenal’s leading attacking target after an explosive season in Portugal. Since joining Sporting in 2023, he has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances, attracting interest from several top European clubs.
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Manchester United were among those keen to secure his signature, but the striker reportedly rejected a move to Old Trafford, instead expressing a preference to join a Champions League club, making Arsenal his favoured destination.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, according to Portuguese outletRecord, Arsenal have now ‘frozen’ their pursuit due to Sporting’s firm stance on his valuation. The Gunners’ latest offer, believed to be €55 million (£47m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons, was swiftly rejected by the Portuguese club. Arsenal then returned with a package worth around €70 million (£60m), still falling short of Gyokeres’ £85 million release clause.
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Sporting president Frederico Varandas has taken a hardline stance in the negotiations and criticised the conduct of the player’s representatives. “Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas said. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + €10m because I never promised him that. This game the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”
With talks now stalled, Arsenal may be forced to reassess their striker options unless they are willing to meet the full release clause.
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