Arsenal have already agreed to pay more than they initially wanted to for Viktor Gyokeres, but talks with Sporting CP are still 'tense' with negotiations ongoing
22:18, 15 Jul 2025Updated 22:27, 15 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal is moving closer(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal and Sporting CP are still ironing out the payment details for Viktor Gyokeres, despite having reached a preliminary agreement over a week ago.
The two clubs are said to have settled on an upfront payment of £55million (€63.5m) for the Swedish goal machine, but there's a snag over add-ons, with the Portuguese champions insisting they should be easily attainable. However, personal terms aren't causing any headaches, with Arsenal having a five-year deal ready for Gyokeres to ink.
Sporting and Arsenal bigwigs have been holed up in London for several days hammering out the details, but it doesn't seem like significant headway is being made. While there's optimism that a full agreement will eventually be struck, Arteta will be keen to get the 27-year-old ace onboard by a specific date.
With the situation becoming increasingly tense, here's the latest updates on Gyokeres.
£8.7m stumbling block
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon is ready to join Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon is ready to join Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
The sticking point lies with the £8.7million (€10m) add-ons, reports Football London. Sellers typically want these extra bonuses to be as achievable as possible, while buyers would likely prefer them to be tied to team achievements, as this would mean success and prize money.
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Given Sporting president Frederico Varandas' insistence that €60+€10 million wouldn't suffice for them to part ways with their player, it's hardly surprising they're pushing for virtually guaranteed add-ons.
'Tense' negotiations
While Sporting's demands are clear, Arsenal aren't currently meeting them, according to an update from Fabrizio Romano on the ongoing negotiations.
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Contrary to rumours in Portugal suggesting the deal might fall through, Romano has clarified that it's not on the brink of collapse, but tensions are running high.
Gyokeres' representatives remain in London, and it's noted that Arsenal have already agreed to shell out more than they initially anticipated, which could explain their reluctance to meet Sporting's add-on demands.
Arteta's deadline
Arsenal are set to jet off for their pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday, July 19, and it's no shocker that Arteta wants all his summer signings on board.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta's squad is seeing some transformation this summer(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC )
With deals for Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera already wrapped up, the hope is that Gyokeres will also be joining the squad en route to Singapore, as reported by the Athletic.
While it won't spell disaster if the Swede isn't part of the travelling contingent, with their first pre-season friendly against Newcastle United scheduled for Sunday, July 27, it would certainly be beneficial for him to integrate with his new team-mates at the earliest opportunity.
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And Arteta will be champing at the bit when it comes to coaching a forward who bagged a staggering 68 goals in 66 Primeira Liga appearances and 97 strikes in 102 outings in all competitions.