Arsenal's hidden retreat? No contact fuels fears over Gyokeres transfer collapse
Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of collapse after three days without contact between the club and Sporting CP, according to reports in Portugal.
The Gunners had spent last weekend locked in negotiations in Lisbon, but talks have since stalled as both sides remain far apart on the financial structure of the deal.
Sporting are demanding €70 million upfront and a further €10 million in achievable add-ons. Arsenal’s latest proposal – €65 million fixed plus €15 million in bonuses – has not moved the needle.
Sporting’s hierarchy are adamant that the Swedish striker will not leave for a cent less than their valuation.
Sporting’s position has not softened, even as Gyokeres continues to push for a move. The 27-year-old has made it clear he only wants to join Arsenal and is willing to sacrifice €2 million from his salary package to help the deal go through.
He has also refused to report to pre-season training at Alcochete in an effort to force Sporting’s hand.
The Swedish international, who scored 39 goals in 33 league games last season, had agreed personal terms with Arsenal weeks ago on a five-year contract worth €8.3 million per year.
He is authorised to report late for Sporting’s pre-season, but sources suggest he will not appear unless the transfer progresses.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta was present for negotiations in Lisbon, alongside one of the player’s agents, Kenan Mert.
Mert reportedly referenced a verbal promise made by former Sporting director Hugo Viana that Gyokeres could leave this summer for a fee between €60-70 million. That verbal assurance has not materialised into anything binding.
With deals for Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres dominating Arsenal’s summer so far, the club now appear ready to turn to alternative striker targets if no breakthrough is made soon.
There remains a slim window to revive the deal before Arsenal depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on July 19, but unless either side budges, the club’s marquee striker chase could soon be over before it properly began.
The post Arsenal's hidden retreat? No contact fuels fears over Gyokeres transfer collapse first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.