Arsenal are still hoping to finally end their striker pursuit in the coming days with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres is set to sign for Arsenal after a breakthrough in talks between the Gunners and Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon.
The positive news in the deal came after the agent of Gyokeres agreed to waive his commission fee in order to get the Swedish striker his dream move.
However, reports have since emerged that the deal is once again in danger of collapsing and it could be one last ploy from the Portuguese side.
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Arsenal still expect to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer despite ‘complications’
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Arsenal are still confident that they will complete the deal for Gyokeres despite reports of a collapse in talks from the Portuguese media.
Crook stated: “Those reports coming out of Portugal that the deal was in danger of collapse was just brinkmanship from Sporting to try and pressurise Arsenal. I think what’s happened there is that Gyokeres’ agent has walked away from quite a significant uh signing fee in order to get this deal over the line.
“63.5 million pounds inclusive of add-ons agreed between the two clubs. Gyokeres has made it clear for some time now that Arsenal was the only destination for him. He’s already verbally agreed a 5-year deal. So, this one should accelerate quickly.”
Mikel Arteta wants Gyokeres for pre-season and particularly part of the club’s tour to Asia in order to get a feel for his teammates and the way the side like to play.
There may still be some twists and turns in this transfer saga yet and Arsenal supporters will not rest easy until their man is secured.
Sporting Lisbon have played transfer mind games before
This is not the first time the Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has played a number of transfer mind games in relation to departing players.
He changed his transfer stance on Pedro Porro’s move to Tottenham Hotspur back in January 2023 and played hard ball with Manchester United over Bruno Fernandes.
Andrea Berta has acted decisively so far in the transfer window and with Gyokeres desperate to make the move to the Emirates Stadium, Varandas will have to accept defeat in this battle.
It is then up to Arteta to utilise the 27-year-old forward to his advantage as the Gunners begin their quest to land a major trophy next season.
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