Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit a roadblock, despite the Premier League club submitting a proposal worth €80 million. The offer includes €65 million up front, with an additional €15 million in performance-related bonuses. However, the Portuguese side is holding firm, insisting on a guaranteed €70 million fee without any add-ons.
The impasse has created a frustrating deadlock, with both clubs unwilling to budge. Arsenal believes their overall package fairly reflects the striker’s value, while Sporting is standing by their valuation structure, demanding certainty over speculative clauses.
The standoff is reminiscent of Arsenal’s earlier negotiations for Benjamin Sesko, where discussions similarly faltered over a gap in financial expectations. In that case, Arsenal were also unwilling to meet the full asking price in guaranteed money, instead structuring a deal heavily reliant on incentives and future performance.
What complicates the Gyokeres situation further is the player’s desire to make the move to North London. The striker has made it clear he is eager to join Arsenal, increasing pressure on Sporting to reach a compromise. This has reportedly created internal strain, particularly with Sporting officials frustrated at the way the situation has been handled. While there is no suggestion of Gyokeres behaving unprofessionally, the tension surrounding his potential exit has made it more difficult for the Portuguese club to maintain a firm stance.
Despite their firm public position, Sporting are aware of the risk of retaining a player who wishes to leave, especially with the summer transfer window moving quickly. They had previously indicated they wouldn’t obstruct a reasonable move, which adds complexity to the current refusal to accept a package that exceeds their base asking price in overall value.
From Arsenal’s perspective, Gyokeres is seen as a player who fits perfectly into their tactical setup. He brings a dynamic physical presence, strong finishing, and the work rate to lead the line in a system that values pressing and movement. The club is actively seeking to strengthen their attacking options and sees the Swedish international as a key part of that strategy heading into the new season.
While Arsenal have alternatives on their shortlist, the priority remains to sign a forward capable of making an immediate impact. Gyokeres, with his proven record in Portugal and interest in joining the project, remains a top target. However, unless Sporting soften their stance on the structure of the deal, Arsenal may be forced to either raise their guaranteed offer or turn to other options.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the two clubs can find middle ground or if Arsenal will walk away, as they briefly did in the case of Sesko. For now, negotiations remain at a standstill — not due to a lack of willingness from the player, but because of the stubbornness in reaching a financial agreement that satisfies both parties.
