Arsenal are close to finally sealing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres to end Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker.
Gyokeres has been linked to Arsenal for some time, and for good reason.
Last season, the Swede scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP, who are desperate not to let their talisman leave.
Having netted 97 goals since signing for Sporting in 2023, it’s clear to see why the Portuguese champions want to keep Gyokeres, but now, the transfer has turned ugly.
Gyokeres has fallen out with Sporting due to their valuation of the player, which has prolonged transfer talks with Arsenal because of a dispute over the price tag.
- READ MORE: The seven Swedish stars who have played for Arsenal amid Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent £63m transfer
Viktor Gyokeres tipped to be punished for Sporting CP row
Gyokeres told Sporting that he would not report for training, something that communicates his desire to join Arsenal.
Though it’s a tactic that Mikel Arteta wouldn’t be particularly impressed with, it’s not something Arsenal are unfamiliar with.
Gyokeres is taking the Andrey Arshavin approach to leave Sporting this summer, but his behaviour could land him in hot water.
That’s the belief of Premier League winner Nedum Onuoha, who said on the ESPN FC podcast that the striker could risk having to pay a fine.
“I think one thing that happens is the way the clubs tend to get you back, you might start paying fines, for example. But in reality, this is probably going to end up with Gyokeres going there because he’s decided to burn that bridge.”
While expressing that Arsenal might turn their nose up at Gyokeres’ actions, Onuoha added that the Gunners must simply hand Sporting ‘that money’ to release the forward.
“But the hope is that Arsenal don’t firstly see this as a character flaw with him, but secondly, they can bring that money out and say, we will bring you across.
“One thing’s for sure, this chairman, he’s adamant that the price is going to be the price.”
Arsenal are on the cusp of signing Gyokeres after Andrea Berta struck a breakthrough, with all paths now leading the Swede to the Emirates.
What has caused Gyokeres’ fall-out with Sporting CP?
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has been at the heart of Gyokeres’ spat with his club.
Varandas disputed that there was a gentleman’s agreement between Sporting and Gyokeres’ agent that would grant his exit for a package totalling around £59m.
This has caused transfer talks to drag on into the summer, when the player’s preference was to be granted a swift exit after starring over the previous two seasons in Lisbon.
Fortunately for Gyokeres, Berta has struck a deal for the Sweden international’s transfer, with the move understood to be in the final stages.
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