Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reacted to reports from Portugal last night that talks between Arsenal and Sporting CP over a summer transfer deal for Viktor Gyokeres have reached a dead end.
The move of the Sweden international striker to the Gunners is at risk of collapsing completely, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
However, Romano has poured cold water on the claims, insisting talks are ongoing and between the agents of Gyokeres and Arsenal.
“The agents of the player are still in London,” the journalist said on his YouTube channel this afternoon.
“Last night, we had reports of the deal on the verge of collapsing. From what I’m told, the conversation is still ongoing between all parties involved, Arsenal, Sporting, agents, to sort the final point, the add-ons.
“Now, the agent did everything possible because he’s going to reduce the commission. Arsenal also doing their best by paying more than what they expected. They initially expected €60 million plus €10m in add-ons. They are now at €63.5m plus €10m in add-ons.
“Now, Sporting want even more. Sporting want the €10m in add-ons to be very easy, almost guaranteed add-ons, while Arsenal want part of it to be quite easy and part of it to be quite difficult. So the conversation is continuing. The player keeps giving absolute priority to Arsenal. He’s five-year contract that Arsenal is ready. Let’s see, guys, because the negotiations are taking place every minute in London in these hours, so any minute can be crucial. Let’s see how long it will take to find the final solution. For sure, the situation is tense. After, Sporting is always requesting for more and more and more in the story from the agent, from the player, from Arsenal.
“So once again, putting the deal in a situation where they need to negotiate and renegotiate and renegotiate. But Arsenal are still there. So let’s follow the situation. Let’s follow what happens. Gyokeres is waiting for Arsenal. At the moment, nothing has collapsed, nothing is off. But for sure, the conversation continues in London to get to the, here we go for Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal.”
It is huge news for the North London club and an agreement could be struck before the end of the week from the look of things.
"It can get a little bit tense, Arsenal are hopeful of getting him on the pre-season tour" 🔴
The Athletic's David Ornstein comments on reports in the Portuguese media that Viktor Gyokeres' deal to Arsenal is in doubt. pic.twitter.com/sybYXbFd2J
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2025
He could be joining them on their pre-season tour in what would be a huge boost for manager Mikel Arteta, and both Noni Madueke and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera could also be joining earlier arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.