Arsenal's pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit a snag, despite the Gunners reportedly offering €10 million above the Portuguese club's asking price. While personal terms are said to be agreed upon with the 27-year-old Swedish international, a definitive club-to-club agreement remains elusive.
Sporting CP are holding firm in their valuation of Gyokeres, who has become a prolific goalscorer since joining from Coventry City in 2023. They are seeking a fixed fee of £60.4 million (€70 million) plus £8.6 million (€10 million) in add-ons. While Arsenal's offer is believed to be in the region of €65 million (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons, Sporting apparently want more of the €80m (£69m) paid upfront. This difference in the structure of the payment is proving to be a key sticking point in negotiations.
Arsenal are keen to finalize the deal before Friday, as Gyokeres is due to report for pre-season training with Sporting. The Gunners are also starting their pre-season preparations this week, including a training camp in Spain before heading to Singapore and Hong Kong for a tour. Getting Gyokeres integrated into the squad as soon as possible is a priority for manager Mikel Arteta.
Gyokeres has been in outstanding form for Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances in his two seasons in Portugal. Last season, he scored 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. His goalscoring record and physical attributes have made him a highly sought-after striker.
Arsenal's interest in Gyokeres signals their intent to bolster their attacking options. With the new season approaching, Arteta is looking to add more firepower to his squad to compete for major honors. The potential arrival of Gyokeres could have implications for Arsenal's current attackers, with reports linking Leandro Trossard with a move to Fenerbahce.
The Gunners have already completed the signing of Spanish international Martin Zubimendi and are close to bringing in Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard. They are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.