Arsenal - Josh Kroenke with Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal ’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres faces a precarious future despite the Swedish forward’s strong desire to join the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.
According toThe Mirror’s chief football correspondent John Cross, while Arsenal remain hopeful and determined to secure the 27-year-old, stalled negotiations with Sporting Lisbon threaten to scupper the deal as the summer transfer window progresses.
Gyokeres, who scored an outstanding 54 goals in 52 appearances last season to help Sporting secure a league and cup double, has made his preference for a move to North London clear. However, the transfer negotiations have been complicated by a valuation gap between the two clubs.
Arsenal have reportedly offered €65 million (£56 million) upfront, with a further €15 million (£12.9 million) in performance-based add-ons. This bid is said to exceed a previously understood gentleman’s agreement of €60 million (£51.6 million) plus €10 million (£8.6 million) in bonuses that Gyokeres believed Sporting president Frederico Varandas had committed to, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. Sporting, however, are holding firm, demanding a guaranteed €70 million (£60.3 million) plus add-ons that push the total close to €80 million (£68.8 million).
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In a sign of his determination to force the move, Gyokeres has reportedly refused to participate in Sporting’s pre-season training, a development that has added strain to the talks. Cross reports that Arsenal remain optimistic, with personal terms agreed on a five-year contract worth around £200,000 per week. Yet, the stalemate over the transfer fee puts the deal’s completion in jeopardy.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Further complicating the picture is interest from Manchester United, managed by Gyokeres’ former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim, who are said to be prepared to meet Sporting’s valuation of €80 million. Despite this, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirms that Arsenal remain the striker’s preferred destination and that discussions are ongoing, insisting the deal “has not collapsed.”
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The need for a reliable striker at Arsenal is pressing. With Eddie Nketiah’s £30 million departure to Crystal Palace and Gabriel Jesus’ inconsistent displays last season, Gyokeres’ physicality and goal-scoring record make him an ideal candidate. Pundit Alan Shearer told BBC Sport, “He’s got the tools to thrive in the Premier League, Arsenal must get this done.”
Sporting’s firm stance has frustrated Arsenal, who are also juggling other transfer targets, including Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. With the transfer window deadline looming, the Gunners face a critical choice: meet Sporting’s demands or risk losing Gyokeres to a rival club.
For now, Gyokeres’ refusal to train highlights his commitment to the move, but without a breakthrough soon, Arsenal’s optimism could quickly turn into disappointment.
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