Wednesday’s update in The Daily Viktor Gyökeres was a breakdown of what is splitting Sporting CP and Arsenal right now.
For days, negotiations have been limited to bonuses, with the fixed fee thought to be agreed and thankfully not being dragged up again. Yesterday, Record explained the difference between the two clubs is now about the final €2.5m in a total of €10m in bonus payments.
Sporting want €2.5m for the striker’s first 20 appearances, €2.5m for the next 20, €2.5m should Arsenal qualify for the Champions League, and €2.5m for another 20 appearances the following season. That would fit in with Federico Varandas’ aims of it all being achievable and €7.5m being possible in the first season.
Arsenal want €2.5m of the total to be more difficult.
Essentially, Sporting have wanted €80m for Gyökeres and feel they’re being flexible by allowing part of it to be made up of bonuses.
Record start their article by stating: ‘The last few hours have revealed no progress in negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting for the transfer of Viktor Gyökeres. The process is already in the detailed phase, but still lacks the seal that would allow the striker to join the Gunners.’
Mikel Arteta’s squad fly off for their preseason tour on Saturday, and the desire is obviously to have the signing complete, and all details sorted out, so the 27-year-old can get on the plane. Time is now running short for that to happen.
Record state according to their own information – and during this saga we’ve all learned they have a leak from the player’s camp – Gyökeres is prepared for the prospect of not being on that flight and presumably flying out later.
Wednesday evening saw Sporting lose 2-0 to Celtic in a preseason friendly, and some supporters in attendance made clear their displeasure towards the AWOL striker.
Two banners were held aloft by Sporting fans, one reading ‘I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay. Lions of our youth academy’, and the other ‘No one is above the interests of the club, whoever they may be’.
A Bola have around 450 words on the situation, which essentially amount to: There’s been no progress and an agreement by Saturday would be nice.
See you tomorrow!