Arsenal transfer news: Negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres ‘turn tense’ amid disagreement over add-ons
Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon are facing a potential deadlock in the final negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report.
Arsenal have reportedly hit a minor snag in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
It has been widely reported that the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle over a £55.1m transfer that will see the Swedish striker move to the Emirates this summer.
That comes after two clinical seasons in the Portuguese capital where Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, following his move from Coventry City in 2023.
However, just as Arsenal thought they were all set to secure his signature, some doubt has been cast over the deal.
Sporting holding firm over Gyokeres fee
Football London claim that Sporting are resisting pressure from Arsenal to back down and accept the Gunners’ desired add-ons.
The €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons that Arsenal are willing to pay is where the problem lies, and it is believed it surrounds the likelihood of the terms being met that would trigger those add-ons.
Fabrizio Romano has been keen to stress that the deal is not in danger of collapsing, as some outlets in Portugal have, but he did reveal that negotiations have become tense between the two parties.
Sporting have made it clear that a deal will not be struck in its current form, but Arsenal are yet to budge, with negotiations to continue, even though Gyokeres has stated his intentions to leave this summer.
The 27-year-old informed the club he will not be turning in for pre-season training ahead of the new campaign, as he seeks a move away, but these new revelations have complicated matters slightly.
Will Gyokeres sign in time for Arsenal’s pre-season tour?
Mikel Arteta and his squad will jet off to Asia for a pre-season tour on July 19, with new signings Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera set to be part of the camp.
However, time is running out for the club to get a deal signed and sealed in time for Gyokeres to fly out with them.
Arsenal play AC Milan on July 23 at the National Stadium in Singapore, and unless a rapid solution is found, Gyokeres will likely play no part in that friendly.
This could force Arsenal’s hand, as they will want Gyokeres through the door as early as possible in order for him to get acclimatised to his new club in time for the upcoming season, which begins for the Gunners on August 17 away to Manchester United.