Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal, with the Gunners expected to pay an initial €63.5 million (£54.86m) plus €10 million (£8.64m) in performance-related add-ons. The long-anticipated deal has taken a dramatic turn, with Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya reportedly waiving his entire fee to help push the transfer over the line.
While negotiations continue over the final structure of the bonus payments, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to have the 26-year-old in place before the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. Arteta also hopes to wrap up deals for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera ahead of the squad’s departure.
The transfer would finally bring to an end Arsenal’s prolonged search for a prolific striker, as well as resolve Gyokeres’ public standoff with Sporting CP. The Swedish international has not reported for pre-season training amid frustrations over what he believes was a gentleman’s agreement to leave the club this summer for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons. That claim has been firmly denied by Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who insists no such agreement ever existed.
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Gyokeres, who joined Sporting from Coventry City for £20 million two years ago, has enjoyed a sensational spell in Portugal. He has scored an astonishing 97 goals and registered 28 assists in just 102 appearances across all competitions, including a record-breaking 54 goals in 52 games last season, the highest tally among players in Europe’s top 10 leagues.
Viktor Gyökeres - Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
His firepower led Sporting to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and a domestic double last season. However, his once-heroic status among fans appears to be diminishing in the wake of his dispute with the club and imminent departure to North London.
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Sporting supporters made their feelings known during Wednesday’s 2–0 pre-season defeat to Celtic at the Estádio Algarve. Banners displayed in the stands delivered a clear message to the departing striker. One read: “I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay. Lions of our youth academy.” Another banner added: “No one is above the interests of the club, whoever they may be.”
Gyokeres has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal and is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days. Should the final details be resolved swiftly, he will join a summer spending spree at the Emirates.
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