Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer twist as flights booked after £70m striker talks

Arsenal appear to have been dealt a blow to their hopes of signing Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting striker continues heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options this summer.

football.london understands that the Gunners are currently working on a deal to sign Gyokeres. Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship a few years ago.

It’s understood that Gyokeres has turned down several approaches from elsewhere in favour of a switch to north London, so personal terms are thought to be a formality. Arsenal have always been determined to sign a striker before they jet off to Asia for pre-season later this month.

football.london understands that Sporting want £70m for the Sweden international, who sees his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028. While Frederico Varandas has outlined exactly how much the Lions want, the Gunners have been reluctant to pay the asking price outright.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, as quoted by the MailOnline, Arsenal representatives have returned to London from Lisbon after falling to close a deal for Gyokeres. The report claims that higher-ups from the Emirates Stadium had jetted off to Portugal for face-to-face talks.

It’s said that the Gunners will likely have to bend to the other’s demands, with Sporting undeterred by the Swede’s refusal to play for them. The MailOnline reckons that Gyokeres could be shipped off to Turkey if a move to Arsenal falls through, with Fenerbahce reportedly ‘waiting in the wings’.

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo at the end of last month, the Sporting president outlined his stubborn approach to negotiations. Varandas said: “Firstly, Sporting is very calm about the Viktor Gyokeres case.

“Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, Sporting has gone through the phase where it always had to sell its main asset. We do not have to do this, but we are still sensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other player of ours.

“Sporting has a commitment, on my word, that after weeks of meetings, it will not ask for the value of the clause and will be reasonable in relation to the value requested for Viktor.”

On Gyokeres’ price tag, Varandas ‘guaranteed’ that Sporting won’t accept a bid worth €70m (£60m). The Sporting president said: “I won’t say what the amount is, it was communicated to the agent, the player knows.

“I can guarantee, with absolute certainty, that Viktor will not leave for 60+10 million euros. It’s not about wanting to earn something, it’s just that he won’t leave, absolutely not.”