Arsenal’s pursuit, and the pausing of it, for Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres has been continually covered by the Portuguese press.
The Gunners made an informal bid of €55m plus bonuses, which wasn’t entertained by the Lions. They are demanding €80m, which is €20m less than his release clause.
On Friday, Correio da Manhã stated the striker has one goal in mind, to join Arsenal. They also said he doesn’t want to be part of Sporting’s preseason and wants to immediately move to the Emirates.
Saturday’s edition of O Jogo covers the latest and Primeira Liga side’s immediate plan for the 27-year-old as Arsenal tussle to sign him.
Rui Borges will welcome his players as they start preseason preparations from July 1st. The Sweden international had been expected back with the rest of the squad, but has been given permission to join the group a week later.
O Jogo reports this is because of his involvement the national team earlier this month, but he wasn’t part of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad for the two friendlies against Hungary and Algeria.
The Gunners are aware the frontman wants to join them. Sporting president Frederico Varandas wants €80m, but Arsenal are unwilling to meet his request.
O Jogo state: ‘The Gunners, in agreement with the striker’s manager, Hasan Çetinkaya, are betting on a fee in the region of €60m, plus €10m for goals, which they claim was agreed between Sporting and the agent.’
Gyökeres’ agent Hasan Çetinkaya insists on an agreement with Varandas to sell his client for €60m plus €10m bonuses. Varandas publicly said he can leave for less than €100m but denies agreeing a fee with the representative.
The player will return to preseason training on July 7th and Arsenal have until then to try and find an agreement with Sporting.