What really happened in Andrea Berta’s first meeting with Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal transfer plan becomes clear

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There appears to be a two-horse race unfolding in Arsenal’s plan to sign a striker in the summer transfer window.

Despite some in the media having confidence that Benjamin Sesko will arrive at Arsenal this summer, the Slovenian isn’t alone in the race. 

Sporting director Andrea Berta is an admirer of Viktor Gyokeres, and such interest has not gone away. 

Manchester United are eager to sign Gyokeres, but it’s becoming clear that the Swede would prefer a move to the Emirates, keeping Arsenal’s options open. 

• READ MORE: 2025 Summer transfer window rules every Arsenal fan needs to know, including huge opening date changes

How Arsenal’s first meeting with Viktor Gyokeres ended

Amid strong links to Sesko, Portuguese outlets began to report that Arsenal had tabled an opening offer for Gyokeres. 

Following the surprise update, A Bola detailed what the Gunners plan to do after presenting a £46.5m offer to Sporting CP. 

A Bola make it clear that Sporting have guided Arsenal towards their €80m valuation of the striker, with a second round of talks now expected to follow.

Despite utterings of an opening figure being presented, the outlet claims that the first meeting ‘did not result in a formal proposal’, explaining how the opening talks with Berta ended.

A Bola states that after ‘interest was shown’ and ‘values were discussed’ in the first round of discussions, talks ended with the ‘promise of a new approach’.

Berta is expected to meet with Sporting again to act on his promise, which could result in an official bid being made for the striker now that Arsenal know the Lions’ valuation of their talisman.

It’s understood that the Gunners don’t wish to ‘drag’ the issue of disputes over price for many weeks, and that Berta is ‘willing’ to increase a fixed price towards €70m.

Despite Arsenal showing signs that they will raise the bar, it’s clear that Sporting will see anything below their asking price as ‘insufficient’.

While the discussions between the clubs take place, it’s become apparent that Gyokeres wants a move to N5, putting pressure on all parties to navigate talks in a timely manner. 

Sporting CP standing strong with Gyokeres asking price

Berta wants to strike a good deal for Gyokeres, which is understandable, but what is also clear is Sporting’s reasoning for standing firm.

The Sweden international has scored 97 goals since joining Sporting in the summer of 2023, a figure that the Lions can’t just let walk away for less than they desire.

The Portuguese club are aware that there’s no like-for-like replacement for Gyokeres, which is fuelling their stubborn stance when getting what they want financially for their star player.

Arsenal will have to push hard to sign the 27-year-old, all while maintaining talks with fellow target Sesko to identify the best possible deal for Mikel Arteta’s squad.