Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres stalls over valuation dispute

    Arsenal's efforts to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP have hit a roadblock, with negotiations stalling due to a disagreement over the financial terms of the proposed transfer.

    Viktor Gyokeres Viktor Gyokeres

    The Gunners have tabled an offer worth a total of 80 million euros - comprising a 65-million-euro guaranteed fee, along with 5 million and 10 million in performance-related add-ons.

    However, Sporting are holding firm, insisting on a straight 70 million guaranteed payment with no add-ons, leading to the current impasse.

    This transfer saga echoes Arsenal's earlier pursuit of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, which also faltered over a 10 million discrepancy in valuation.

    However, the Gyokeres case carries added urgency due to the player's own desire to leave. The 27-year-old forward is keen to make the move to north London, adding pressure on Sporting to strike a deal.

    Inside the Portuguese club, tensions are reportedly rising. Sporting president Frederico Varandas is said to be irritated by how the negotiations have been managed, although his frustration does not appear to be directed at Gyokeres himself.

    Despite the firm stance on the transfer fee, Sporting have privately indicated that they will not block the move outright.