Departure of Gyökeres nearing finalization: Arsenal deal anticipated to be concluded
Arsenal and Portuguese club Sporting CP are in advanced stages of negotiations for the transfer of Viktor Gyökeres, according to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. However, the deal is yet to be finalized, with the two clubs still haggling over the transfer fee.
The Gunners have submitted an offer of around €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, but Sporting CP's president, Frederico Varandas, is reportedly holding out for a fee above €75 million. Some reports suggest that Sporting is aiming for a total of around €80 million (£69.1m).
Gyökeres, who currently plays for Sporting, has expressed his desire to join Arsenal and has not returned to preseason training. This decision has signalled his intent to move to the Premier League club. Both Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, and Gyökeres' agent have been involved in multiple negotiations in Lisbon.
Despite the current stalemate, there is optimism on both sides that a deal can be reached soon. The personal terms with the player have reportedly been agreed upon, suggesting an announcement could be made imminently.
However, the delay in Gyökeres' arrival at Sporting's training base, Alcochete, could extend the negotiations beyond this week. The striker is expected to report to Alcochete next Friday instead of this week.
If an agreement is reached, the transfer is expected to be a long-term one, with Gyökeres contracted to Arsenal until 2030. The transfer saga is being closely followed by Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that the agreement between Gyökeres and Arsenal is close to completion.
SIC reported a conversation between the two clubs took place on Friday, which is believed to be related to the transfer of Gyökeres. The ongoing negotiations have not deterred Arsenal, who remain hopeful of securing the services of the talented striker.
In summary, while the negotiations are progressing, they are not yet finalized. The key issue remains the transfer fee, with both clubs yet to reach an agreement. Gyökeres' desire to move to Arsenal and the personal terms agreed upon indicate a potential deal could be reached soon.
Arsenal are holding discussions with Sporting CP over a possible €80 million transfer fee for forward Viktor Gyökeres, with the Premier League club hopeful for a long-term agreement until 2030. Despite the ongoing negotiations, Gyökeres' delay in returning to Sporting's training base could extend the talks beyond this week.
