Report: Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal move hangs in the balance as talks stumble

The Gunners, who have been active in the transfer market this summer, are eager to secure the Swedish forward, but recent developments suggest the transfer is far from certain.

The North London club have already bolstered their squad with signings like Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard. They are also on the verge of announcing Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who received permission for a medical over the weekend, and are closing in on Valencia's centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

However, Gyokeres remains their top target to solve their attacking woes, having netted an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has been optimistic about the deal's progress, stating on X: "The agreement between Arsenal and Sporting for Viktor Gyokeres, getting closer after new contacts today. Negotiations between clubs never off despite reports as Gyokeres only wanted Arsenal."

He added that the Gunners were prepared to offer around 70 million euros plus 10 million euros in add-ons, with Gyokeres' agents reducing their commission to facilitate the move.

On Monday, Romano went further, saying: "Move set to be sealed today after 2 meetings on Sunday. Gyokeres agents reduce their commission to make the deal happen. Here we go, soon".

Yet, despite this optimism, Portuguese outlet Record has reported a significant setback, claiming the deal "could fall through" due to a dispute over the 10 million euros in bonuses.

Sporting are insisting these add-ons be easily achievable, while Arsenal are pushing back, creating a stalemate that threatens to derail the transfer entirely. The newspaper noted: "Talks between the three parties reached a dead end this Monday and are at risk of collapsing completely."

Gyokeres, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract, has made no secret of his desire to join the Premier League side. His commitment was evident when he rejected lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, with Romano confirming: "Gyokeres didn't have doubts even when Saudi clubs wanted to offer way higher salary: only Arsenal".

The 27-year-old's actions speak volumes, as he has skipped Sporting's pre-season training to push for the move, prompting disciplinary warnings from Sporting's president Frederico Varandas, who said: "Everything will be resolved when the window closes, a hefty fine and an apology to the group".

The Gunners, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, are under pressure to resolve the issue before their pre-season tour of Asia begins next week. While both clubs had hoped to finalize the transfer fee, rumoured to be around 60.4 million euros plus 8.6 million euros in add-ons, the gap in expectations remains a hurdle.

Arsenal's reluctance to meet Sporting's demands for guaranteed payments has further complicated matters, with Varandas denying any "gentleman's agreement" for Gyokeres to leave for less than his 100-million-euro release clause.

As negotiations hang in the balance, Arsenal fans are left anxiously awaiting news. The club's ambition to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title hinges on key additions like Gyokeres, but with time running out, the Gunners must act swiftly to avoid missing out on their prime target.