Arsenal take significant step in Viktor Gyokeres transfer after Sporting president's threat

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres following a drawn-out and increasingly bitter process. Gyokeres has gone on strike at Sporting Lisbon in an attempt to force through a transfer to the Gunners and it finally looks as though he is about to get his wish.

Arsenal entered the summer transfer window desperate to sign a centre-forward after finishing second in the Premier League for the third straight season. They initially preferred a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, before homing in on Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting last season.

Gyokeres agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal some time ago, but the transfer fee has held things up, as the club completed deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga instead. The Swedish striker believed there was an agreement in place that meant he could leave for €60million (£51m) plus €10m (£8.6m) of add-ons.

But Sporting president Frederico Varandas is demanding £70m for his prize asset and has been vocal over what he believes are Gyokeres’ underhand tactics. But Mirror Football understands Arsenal have taken significant steps in the negotiations and are confident the transfer will go through.

Sporting had put talks on hold for a “cooling off” period. Now resumed discussions are leading to a compromise on add-ons and agent fees to get the move over the line.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd offer, Arsenal sent Gyokeres message, Liverpool receive hint

READ MORE: Arsenal 'moaner' offered summer exit option but transfer depends on Liverpool decision

The 27-year-old is under contract with Sporting until June 2028 and Varandas has been happy to play hard ball in negotiations – and make his stance plain in public. “If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're very comfortable with that for the next three years," he said recently.

"This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are. We're calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.”

Gyokeres has indeed refused to report for pre-season training to incur a fine, but it now seems as though he will get his way. "One thing you should already know is me better," Varandas previously stated. "Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.

"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season."

Speaking over the weekend, Gyokeres made it clear what he wants. "The future? That's football, you never know,” he said. “I'm not thinking about that [leaving], we'll see what happens. If something is meant to happen, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.