Arsenal and Sporting CP temporarily halted transfer talks for Viktor Gyokeres this week, but the Gunners remain optimistic and the player is pushing for a move whilst rejecting all other suitors.
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
Arsenal held positive transfer talks with Sporting CP over Viktor Gyokeres last weekend, but the two clubs still haven’t reached an agreement for the striker’s transfer.
John Cross reports for the Mirror that Sporting imposed a “cooling off” period earlier this week, as they stick to their demands for a £60m guaranteed fee with around £10m in add-ons.
But Cross adds that Arsenal made huge progress over the weekend, there’s big optimism that a deal will be done, and talks are seen as being “drawn out” rather than “stalled”.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 01, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Sporting probably hoped for a bidding war for Gyokeres this summer, with Manchester United also among the striker’s suitors. But Portuguese outlet Record report that Gyokeres and his camp have rejected three separate enquiries from Ruben Amorim’s side in favour of Arsenal.
The longer the saga goes on, the more complicated it might become for the player, who was expected back in training with Sporting today.
As predicted, Record report that Gyokeres is expected to stay at home in Sweden, risking disciplinary proceedings from his club. His refusal to attend training is due to his belief that Sporting broke a verbal agreement to sell him for €60m (£51.8m) plus €10m (£8.6m) this summer.
Mais Futebol confirm that Gyokeres has failed to turn up to the club’s training ground on time.
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
Gyokeres has agreed to give up €2m from his potential Arsenal salary in order to help the move over the line, so he’s likely frustrated that Sporting still haven’t accepted Arsenal’s latest offer.
Ideally, the two clubs will restart talks and reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
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