Arsenal’s deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of collapsing after negotiations with Sporting CP reached a stalemate, based on reports in Portugal.
Mikel Arteta‘s side have held extensive talks with the Portuguese club this summer over a move for the striker, who finished last season with 54 goals in 52 appearances.
Sporting are willing to just accept a fee that’s lower than Gyokeres’ €100 million (£85.1m) release clause but have been holding out for a €80m (£68.6m) transfer fee.
In accordance with A Bola, Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, travelled to Lisbon on Friday for talks but was unable to achieve an agreement with Sporting.
Arsenal have submitted a suggestion value €65m (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons, but Sporting are demanding €70m (£60m) up front with an extra €10m (£8.6m) in bonuses.
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A Bola reports that Arsenal haven’t spoken to Sporting this week and that a source contained in the Premier League club claims the transfer is now susceptible to ‘imminent collapse’ because the Portuguese side are refusing to lower their asking price, which has caused tension during negotiations.
Gyokeres has already rejected a move to Juventus and has told Manchester United that his priority is to affix Arsenal this summer.
The Sweden international is on account of report back to Sporting for pre-season training on Friday but is able to go on strike so as to force through a move to Arsenal.
Gyokeres has agreed a five-year contract value just over £7m per season with Arsenal but is willing to present up £1.7m a yr so as to secure his move to Arteta’s side.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has also been angered by suggestions from Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, that a personal agreement had been reached to sell the striker for €60m (£51m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
In June, Berta met together with his counterpart at Sporting, Bernardo Palmeiro, in Menorca to debate a deal for Gyokeres.
But Arsenal’s initial proposal value a €55m (£46.8m) plus an additional €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons was rejected by the Portuguese champions.
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