Arsenal unable to reach deal to bring Gyökeres to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly on the brink of falling through, as negotiations with Sporting CP have hit an impasse, according to Portuguese sources.
The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, have been in prolonged discussions with Sporting this summer over a potential transfer for the striker, who had an outstanding season with 54 goals in 52 games.
Although Sporting are open to a deal below Gyokeres’ €100 million (£85.1m) release clause, they are standing firm on a €80 million (£68.6m) asking price.
As reported by A Bola, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta flew to Lisbon on Friday to continue talks, but the two clubs failed to reach a consensus.
Arsenal have submitted an offer worth €65m (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons, but Sporting are demanding €70m (£60m) up front with an additional €10m (£8.6m) in bonuses.
According to A Bola, Arsenal have not held talks with Sporting this week, and a source within the Premier League club has revealed that the deal is now in danger of “imminent collapse” due to Sporting’s refusal to reduce their asking price — a stance that has created friction in negotiations.
Viktor Gyokeres has already turned down a transfer to Juventus and informed Manchester United that his preferred destination this summer is Arsenal.
The Sweden international is due to report back to Sporting for pre-season training on Friday but is ready to go on strike in order to force through a move to Arsenal.
Gyokeres is ready to take a wage cut just to join Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres has agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal, valued at just over £7 million per season, but is prepared to forgo £1.7 million annually to help facilitate the move to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas is reportedly upset over claims made by Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, suggesting that a private deal had been reached to sell the striker for €60 million (£51m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in performance-based add-ons.
In June, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta met with Sporting’s Bernardo Palmeiro in Menorca to negotiate a potential transfer. However, Arsenal’s opening offer of €55 million (£46.8m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons was turned down by the Portuguese club.
