Arsenal-Gyökeres Transfer Stalls Amid Silence and Standoff

The highly anticipated transfer of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP to Arsenal appears to be on the brink of collapse after recent communication breakdowns between the two clubs.

Despite intense negotiations and Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta’s recent trip to Lisbon, the deal remains unresolved, with both parties entrenched in their demands and unwilling to compromise on key financial terms.

Breakdown in Communication and Failed Negotiations

Andrea Berta arrived in Lisbon on Friday with the aim of finalizing the transfer but left empty-handed on Monday after several days of discussions failed to yield an agreement.

Since then, there has been a notable silence between Arsenal and Sporting.

There has not been contact for three consecutive days – Monday through Wednesday – raising serious doubts about the deal’s viability.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Arsenal is increasingly frustrated with Sporting’s rigid stance on the transfer fee and payment structure.

The London club initially proposed a deal worth 65 million euros upfront plus 15 million euros in add-ons, a structure they considered reasonable and achievable.

However, Sporting is demanding a higher fixed fee, insisting on 70 million euros upfront with an additional 10 million euros in variables, refusing to adjust their position despite Arsenal’s willingness to increase their offer.

Sporting’s Firm Valuation and Arsenal’s Frustration

Sporting’s firm valuation of Gyökeres at 80 million euros total has become the main sticking point.

The club is adamant about receiving a larger portion of the fee as a guaranteed payment rather than relying heavily on performance-based add-ons.

This insistence has caused negotiations to stall, with Arsenal reportedly losing patience.

An Arsenal insider speaking to Portuguese outlet A BOLA revealed that the club is seriously contemplating abandoning the pursuit of Gyökeres due to the ongoing deadlock.

The lack of communication from Arsenal in recent days underscores this growing skepticism about the transfer’s completion.

Player’s Position and Commitment

Viktor Gyökeres himself remains firmly committed to joining Arsenal, even at the cost of personal financial sacrifice.

The 27-year-old striker has refused to report for pre-season training at Sporting’s Alcochete facility, a move that underscores his determination to force a transfer.

Despite being offered a lucrative five-year contract by Arsenal worth 8.3 million euros annually, Gyökeres is reportedly willing to forgo 2 million euros of that salary to make the move happen.

This personal stance by the player adds pressure on Sporting to reconsider their position, but so far, the club remains unyielding.

Gyökeres’ decision to stay away from training is a clear signal of his intent to push through the transfer, highlighting the tension between player ambition and club demands.

Background and Context of the Negotiations

The transfer saga began in mid-June when Arsenal informally proposed a fee of 55 million euros plus 10 million euros in add-ons during a meeting in Menorca involving Sporting’s general director of football, Bernardo Morais Palmeiro, and Andrea Berta.

Sporting quickly dismissed this initial offer as insufficient.

Subsequent negotiations saw Arsenal raise their bid to the current 65+15 million euros structure, but Sporting’s valuation remained firm.

Kenn Mert’s comment added complexity to the situation. Mert is one of Gyökeres’ agents, who partners with Hasan Cetinkaya.

He claimed to have received assurances from Sporting’s former sporting director, Hugo Viana, now at Manchester City, that a fee between 60 and 70 million euros would be accepted this summer.

This discrepancy between internal assurances and Sporting’s current demands has contributed to the stalemate.

Sporting’s Ambitions and Gyökeres’ Role

Gyökeres agreed to stay at Sporting for the current season with the aim of securing a consecutive league title and competing in the UEFA Champions League.

This commitment was based on the understanding that a transfer fee in the 60-70 million euro range would be acceptable.

However, as Sporting hardened their stance for a higher fee, the negotiations became more complicated.

Sporting’s refusal to budge on their payment structure, combined with Arsenal’s reluctance to meet the higher upfront fee, has created an impasse.

Arsenal’s frustration is evident, with reports suggesting that Berta’s patience is wearing thin, and the club may soon walk away from the deal altogether.

Conclusion: A Transfer on the Brink

The future of Viktor Gyökeres’ transfer to Arsenal remains uncertain.

With both clubs entrenched in their positions and communication stalled, the deal is dangerously close to falling apart.

Gyökeres’ personal commitment to the move and willingness to sacrifice financially contrasts sharply with Sporting’s rigid demands, creating a complex negotiation dynamic.

As of July 10, 2025, Arsenal appears poised to reconsider their pursuit, potentially ending their interest in the Swedish striker.

Unless Sporting softens their stance or Arsenal significantly increases their offer, this transfer saga may conclude without the deal being finalized, much to the disappointment of all parties involved.

In summary, Arsenal’s efforts to sign Viktor Gyökeres have stalled due to disagreements over the transfer fee and payment terms.

Despite the player’s eagerness to move and Arsenal’s willingness to raise their offer, Sporting’s firm valuation and refusal to alter the payment structure have caused a breakdown in talks, threatening to derail the transfer entirely.

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