Arsenal are in the process of finalising a move to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old has emerged as the club’s top No.9 transfer target after scoring 54 goals and adding 13 assists in 52 matches last season.
Talks have been ongoing with Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who has been reluctant to accept what Gyokeres believes was a gentleman’s agreement – worth £59million – to leave this summer.
However, Arsenal and Sporting are now growing closer to agreeing a deal, with Mikel Arteta’s side making formal advances over terms to complete the transfer in due course, football.london understands.
Negotiations were reignited earlier this weekend and communication between the two parties have improved. Indeed, the Gunners are optimistic that a compromise on a final fee can be reached.
Gyokeres has not turned up to pre-season training at Sporting in a bid to force through a move. The Sweden international has made it clear throughout the summer that Arsenal is his preferred destination, despite interest from Manchester United, and has agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been active in the transfer market so far this month, signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while Noni Madueke is expected to become their fourth arrival in a £52m deal from Chelsea. But Arteta’s men also want to get a striker across the line, with Gyokeres their first-choice target.
While Arsenal have been trying to get a deal done for some time, Sporting’s demand has put a delay on the former Brighton man’s move to north London, even if the player has made it evident he wants to leave.
Speaking in an interview with Agencia Lusa (via Record) on Sunday morning, Varandas addressed the current situation and a potential move for Gyokeres. “We’re calm. Everything will be resolved when the window closes, a hefty fine and an apology to the group,” he said.
“If they [clubs] don’t want to pay the fair market price for Viktor Gyokeres, we will be very comfortable with that for the next three years.
“If someone puts pressure on me to facilitate a departure, they are also making the player’s exit even more complicated. Nobody is above the club. Whoever they are.”
