Roberto Firmino could become surprise target for Arsenal soon.
Roberto Firmino could become surprise target for Arsenal soon.
Arsenal’s deal for Viktor Gyokeres could still suffer a setback as Sporting CP are adamant about the nature of the €10 million add-ons.
According to Record, Arsenal’s deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres could suffer a setback and even collapse based on Sporting CP’s demands for easily achievable add-ons worth €10 million. Various reports have stated the deal is all but done, but it appears the two clubs are still negotiating the final part of the add-ons.
Arsenal received a lot of praise following reports on Sunday regarding an imminent agreement for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede was one of the two names firmly listed on their transfer target list alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, although it is the former that the Gunners have chosen to pursue in all seriousness.
Arsenal were made to work hard to find an agreement, as Gyokeres even went on strike to force a move through. The player’s public rift with Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas dominated the headlines in this saga, as the Gunners were not prepared to pay over the odds.
On Sunday, many reports in the English media stated Arsenal have agreed a €73.5 million deal, including add-ons to finally sign Viktor Gyokeres. The breakdown of the fees comes down to €63.5 million as fixed with €10 million in add-ons, which at that time appeared to have sealed the agreement.
However, a fresh report from Portugal insists the deal is not close at the moment, and that it could even potentially collapse if the two clubs cannot agree on the add-ons structure. Sporting CP wants those €10 million add-ons to be easily achievable, more on the lines of guaranteed to some extent. Negotiations to finalise these issues are ongoing, as Fabrizio Romano confirmed the same.
Arsenal want Viktor Gyokeres for the pre-season tour
Arsenal did face some level of competition for Gyokeres, including interest from Manchester United. However, the 27-year-old goal machine was adamant about joining the Gunners, as he sacrificed a portion of his salary, while his agent also gave up a substantial cut in a bid to find a quick resolution in negotiations.
Mikel Arteta had wanted a new striker, and now, with the agreement seemingly close to completion, Arsenal want the player for their pre-season tour to the Far East. Whether that will be possible is a question that can be answered in the coming days, as despite the claims of a potential collapse, the deal is very much closer to getting done.