Arsenal and Sporting CP are still negotiating for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres despite agreeing a deal in principle, with add-ons now the focus of club-to-club talks.
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
Some reports over the weekend had suggested that Arsenal and Sporting CP were hoping to wrap up a deal for Viktor Gyokeres on Monday, but Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday night that negotiations were still ongoing.
The two clubs have already agreed a deal in principle for a €63.5m (£55.1m) transfer with an additional €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons. But the nature of those add-ons is the issue, with Sporting pushing for them to be easy or guaranteed.
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
David Ornstein told Sky Sports News that the clubs still need to put the finishing touches to the add-on criteria, adding that these are natural parts of the closing stages of negotiations and it can get a little bit tense and complicated.
Yet Ornstein went on to say that Arsenal are in a very, very advanced position. Though the deal isn’t done yet, the Gunners will be hopeful they can sort it in time for the pre-season tour of Asia.
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic this morning that Mikel Arteta has been keen to sign a centre-forward in time for pre-season, and that now seems feasible. Arsenal leave for Singapore on Saturday.
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
Gyokeres’ goalscoring numbers in 2024/25 were phenomenal, with 54 goals for Sporting and a further nine for Sweden. It shouldn’t be ignored that 20 of those 63 goals were penalties, but 43 open-play goals is still a fantastic return for a single season.
The question now is whether the striker can adapt to a new team in the Premier League, where the demands are often much higher than in Portuguese football.
The player himself seemed motivated in a recent interview, saying: “It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it’s something I’d like to do. It would be great revenge!”
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