TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arsenal and Sporting CP are hoping to find an agreement for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres over the weekend.
The Sweden international was always expected to be on the move this summer, but his departure from the Portuguese capital has proved to be more complicated than he imagined.
Arsenal have been pushing to sign Gyokeres, but despite holding talks over the last few weeks, an agreement has not been reached.
The Gunners are hoping that will change now.
Viktor Gyokeres hoping to fly to London and sign for Arsenal next week
TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that Arsenal are hoping to finalise an agreement with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres this weekend.
As we have previously confirmed, Arsenal have opted for Gyokeres as their number one striker target this summer, and they have an agreement in place with the player on a five-year deal.
We can confirm that the 27-year-old has made it clear to Sporting this week that he won’t be returning for pre-season training, which commenced on Friday.
He had been informed that he would be required to report to the club on Saturday, but sources have told TBR that he has ‘no intention of returning to Sporting’. The club are also aware of his stance.
Sporting are yet to officially react, but the hope from all parties is that a deal will be done before the club need to make a comment or take any action.
TBR can confirm that Arsenal have met Sporting’s valuation of €80 million (£69m) — indeed, their offer has surpassed it. However, the Gunners had put down an initial €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons. Sporting are insisting that the initial offer needs to be €70million (£60m) plus at least €10m in add-ons.
Gyokeres, for his part, believed he had an agreement in place with Sporting that he could leave for a deal actually worth €70 million overall. That was one of the reasons why he took a previous release clause out of his contract.
Bailey told TBR: “I can confirm that Gyokeres has reiterated to Sporting that he will not be returning for pre-season training — indeed, I am told his representatives have made it clear to the club’s president, Frederico Varandas, that he will not play for the club again.
“Gyokeres considers his Sporting career over, having agreed personal terms with Arsenal. Sources have also told me that he hopes to be in England early next week to complete his move.
“The two clubs are not far away — it is close. As it stands, there is no suggestion that Arsenal are going to give up on the Swede.”
Arsenal target and Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring a goal
Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images
Viktor Gyokeres will break Alexander Isak’s transfer record if he joins Arsenal
Sweden has been blessed with some incredible strikers over the years.
From Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the past to Alexander Isak and Gyokeres now, Sweden has been home to many elite goalscorers.
Newcastle United paid £63 million to sign Isak from Real Sociedad, and that made him the most expensive Swedish transfer of all time.
Now, if Arsenal get the deal done, Gyokeres will be the new owner of that record, as the overall package of his transfer could be £69 million.
If that does end up being the final figure, Gyokeres will also become Arsenal’s third most expensive transfer in history, behind Declan Rice and Nicolas Pepe.