€80m star makes phone call to force Arsenal transfer, will not return to Alvalade - report
Arsenal are poised to sign a new striker during this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners underperformed in the attacking department last season. They scored 22 fewer goals in the Premier League compared to the previous campaign.
A marquee centre-forward is a priority for the London giants, and Record (page 14) claim that Viktor Gyokeres is determined to secure a dream move to the club.
The Swede has reportedly called Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas to inform him that he has no plans to return and play at the Estadio Jose Alvalade next season.
The 27-year-old wants to secure a transfer this summer and believes he had a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting for €60 million plus €10m in extra bonuses.
Sporting have so far refused to budge on their €80m valuation for the striker.
Gyokeres is now looking to force through a summer move and ‘won’t forgive’ anyone responsible if he misses out on a lucrative transfer to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The ex-Coventry City man believes he has a unique opportunity at his age and does not want to miss out on joining the Gunners during the current transfer window.
Arsenal yet to decide on which striker to pursue
The Gunners are working simultaneously on potential deals for Benjamin Sesko and Gyokeres.
Sesko is the primary target for the Gunners, but the club have yet to finalise payment terms with Leipzig.
Arsenal have no plans to trigger his €80m release clause and may have to pay more to seal an agreement.
So far, the club have shown no interest in meeting Leipzig’s valuation for the Slovenian sensation.
The Gunners have not agreed personal terms with Sesko either.
If there is no progress over the next few days, Arsenal could be tempted to focus on Gyokeres instead.
The Gunners have so far made an informal offer of €55m plus €10m in add-ons for the striker, according to Record.
Personal terms won’t be a concern with Gyokeres keen on the move, but Sporting may have to lower their demands.
Sesko obviously has a higher ceiling compared to Gyokeres, as he is five years younger.
He has also proven his credentials in a more superior league. The quality of the Bundesliga is much higher than the Primeira Liga.
Gyokeres has improved leaps and bounds during his time in Portugal, but the Gunners seem reluctant to pay over the odds for him.
It remains to be seen whether Sporting lower their asking price to encourage Arsenal to make an improved transfer offer.
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