Viktor Gyokeres has agreed to a pay cut to finalise personal terms with Arsenal, as Sporting CP get closer to a fee agreement with the Gunners.
SOLNA, SWEDEN: Viktor Gyokeres during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1 match between Sweden and Slovakia at Strawberry Arena on November 16, 2024. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images
Swedish journalist Daniel Kristoffersson reported for Sportbladet on Sunday morning that Arsenal and Sporting CP were advancing in talks for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres, hoping to finalise a deal soon.
David Ornstein then confirmed for The Athletic that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Sporting over a deal, though talks are continuing with Mikel Arteta pushing for a swift conclusion.
Ornstein also confirmed that personal terms are in place on a five-year contract, with Gyokeres only interested in joining Arsenal this summer.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Fabrizio Romano and Record report that Gyokeres has agreed to give up €2m from his potential Arsenal salary to help facilitate negotiations, taking a pay cut on his proposed Gunners contract to 2030.
The striker continues to take the stance that he won’t return to training with Sporting, as he’s desperate for a move to Arsenal and he believes his club agreed last summer to let him go after one more year.
Portuguese outlet Record report that Arsenal emissaries have been in Lisbon since the end of last week for direct talks with Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas and other higher-ups at the club.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Borussia Dortmund at on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Ed Aarons of The Guardian, John Cross of the Mirror, and CNN Portugal all agree that Sporting are looking for around €80m or £70m to finalise the transfer.
According to CNN’s report, Sporting could close a deal for €65m (£56.1m) guaranteed, with another €15m (£12.9m) in add-ons.
Gyokeres had believed he had an agreement with Sporting to leave for €70m in total this summer, so he’s disappointed that his club are now asking for another €10m. But by giving up €2m a year in his five-year contract, he’s effectively bridged that €10m gap.
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