Arsenal transfer for Viktor Gyokeres ‘hijacked TWICE’ as Sporting listened to offers – but striker blocked deal himself
ARSENAL’S move for Viktor Gyokeres was at risk of being hijacked twice during negotiations, according to reports.
Gyokeres, 27, is on the brink of officially becoming an Arsenal player after protracted negotiations have finally come to a close between the Gunners and Sporting CP.
Arsenal have agreed a deal worth an initial £54.8m and £8.6m in potential add-ons.
But the switch has become its own transfer saga over the past few weeks with Gyokeres refusing to turn up for training at Sporting and the Portuguese club’s president, Frederico Varandas, being very public about his financial demands for a deal.
There was a chance that the whole thing could have collapsed too, after Fabrizio Romano revealed Sporting were trying to sound out offers from other clubs during negotiations.
He claims that Gyokeres was offered up to both Manchester United and clubs in Saudi Arabia by intermediaries close to Sporting.
It’s claimed that Sporting were “very open” to do business with different clubs, but that their attempts failed after it was deemed “impossible” to get a deal over the line.
That’s because Gyokeres had made it crystal clear that the only place he wanted to move to was Arsenal.
The Swede is thought to have had his heart set on the Emirates switch and is desperate to sign on the dotted line and join the club’s pre-season preparations.
Gyokeres has reportedly already agreed a five-year deal with Arsenal, but there is yet to be an official announcement from either Sporting or the Gunners.
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When quizzed about Gyokeres’ arrival this week, Mikel Arteta remained coy and professional, answering: “I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet.
“When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that.”
However, he did hint that new signings, like Gyokeres, could join up with the team for their Asia tour if they sign soon, adding: “There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here.
“I’m very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon. There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers.
“We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market.
“Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I’m very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team.”
Arsenal have already signed Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi this summer.
While Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera is already flying out to Singapore to join the first team despite no announcement on his impending deal just yet.