While Arsenal fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a striker at last, the Gunners’ move for Viktor Gyokeres may have hit a stumbling block casting doubts over the future of the move.
The north London club had been linked with both Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko for most of the transfer window so far, but appeared to have made a decision in favour of the Sporting star.
The Swedish international is thought to have agreed pre-contract terms, and appeared set to end up at the Emirates by the end of the summer, however reports are now suggesting an issue in negotiations is threatening to call off the move.
According to reports from Portugal, there have been no developments in talks since the weekend, and the clubs are now locked at an impasse over the transfer value.
It is already well-documented that Gyokeres reportedly believes he has an honour agreement to be able to leave for a fee of €60million, plus another €10m (£51.7m plus £8.6m), though Sporting Clube seemingly see things otherwise.
Arsenal have already reportedly offered to pay €65m, plus a further €15m (£56m plus £12.9m), but the Portuguese club are now believed to be standing firm on a fixed €70m (£60.4m).
Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal is seemingly in danger of falling through over the fee
Arsenal have been linked with the Swedish striker throughout the summer transfer window
Despite Arsenal offering more in installments, Sporting are reportedly asking for a fixed €70m
As such, Portuguese outlet Record claims that the Arsenal representatives conducting discussions with Sporting have since returned to London from Lisbon after failing to close the deal.
The Premier League side are reportedly considering cutting their losses entirely unless there is a substantial change from the Sporting side, and are willing to move on after a second failed round of talks.
It comes after reports earlier in the week had suggested that the sale could be completed as early as Thursday, though if the latest updates are to be believed that seems a remote prospect as things stand.
It is worth underlining that the player seemingly wants to join Arsenal, and has already offered to give up as much as €2m (£1.7m) of his future salary with the Gunners improve the situation for Sporting.
He has however made it clear that he does not wish to feature for Sporting in the future, and is not turning up to training, as he is thought to feel hurt by the management for going back on what he felt was an assurance over his transfer fee.
The 27-year-old Sweden international is believed to have already negotiated a pre-contract agreement with the north London club running until 2030.
The coming hours will surely prove decisive, though at present it would require one party to bend to the other’s demands, with Sporting seemingly undeterred by Gyokeres’ refusal to play for them.
In fact, the player could move on loan to Turkey and Fenerbahce, who are waiting in the wings should things truly fall through with Arsenal.
The striker scored 54 goals in all competitions for the Portuguese giants last campaign
The Gunners have been proactive in the window already signing Martin Zubimendi for £60m
Gyokeres is thought to be prepared for the worst, though he is said to be keen on a return to England.
The former Coventry City and Brighton striker currently has three years still remaining on his contract with the Portuguese giants, though it appears unlikely in the extreme that he will be seeing out those terms as things stand.
The Swedish international scored a staggering 54 goals for Portuguese giants Sporting Clube last term across all competitions.
The Gunners have already signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m, and reportedly completed a £12m move for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
They are also poised to make an offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, and have been linked with Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze.
