Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has hit a major roadblock, with negotiations between the two clubs stalling over a disagreement on the transfer fee and payment structure, according toThe Independent’s Miguel Delaney. The Gunners had been closing in on a deal to make the Swedish international their marquee signing of the summer, but the transfer is now in serious doubt.
Delaney reports that Arsenal offered a package worth €80 million, comprising €65 million upfront and a further €15 million in performance-related add-ons. However, Sporting are refusing to accept any conditional payments and are demanding a guaranteed €70 million upfront with no add-ons. As a result, talks have broken down, and Arsenal’s delegation, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, has reportedly returned to London from Lisbon without an agreement in place.
Gyökeres, 27, enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 season, scoring 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. The former Coventry City striker helped Sporting secure back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup and has been identified by Mikel Arteta as the ideal centre-forward to lead Arsenal’s line.
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The player has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract and is said to be eager to make the move to north London, even sacrificing €2 million in wages to help push the deal through. Sporting granted him permission to delay his return to pre-season training until Friday, July 11, in light of the ongoing talks.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the current impasse stems from a disputed verbal agreement reportedly made last summer, in which Gyökeres and his agent believed the striker would be allowed to leave for a fee between €65 million and €70 million. Sporting president Frederico Varandas has denied the existence of any such “gentleman’s agreement” and remains firm in his demand for a higher guaranteed fee.
Tensions between player and club have escalated, with Portuguese outlet Record claiming that Gyökeres has refused to play for Sporting again and rejected attempts to clear the air. Varandas responded defiantly, stating: “Threats, blackmail, and insults don’t work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m.”
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Arsenal turned to Gyökeres after failing to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, who was also valued at €80 million. Leipzig’s insistence on a substantial upfront payment ultimately derailed those talks. Now, with another top target in limbo, Arsenal may be forced to explore alternative options.
Arteta has made securing a new striker a top priority following a season in which injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposed a lack of firepower. Gyökeres’ physical presence, movement, and prolific scoring record, 97 goals in 102 appearances since joining Sporting from Coventry in 2023 for £20 million make him an attractive option.
With pre-season preparations underway and the club’s tour of Asia set to begin on July 19, Arsenal are under pressure to resolve their striker situation. While Gyökeres remains the preferred target and his desire to join gives Arsenal some leverage, the club is unwilling to break its financial structure to meet Sporting’s demands.
Sources indicate that Arsenal are continuing due diligence on alternative striker targets as a precaution, though they have not yet walked away from the Gyökeres deal. For now, the transfer remains in limbo, with both sides holding firm.
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