Gyökeres Transfer to Arsenal in Jeopardy as Talks Stall Over Bonus Terms
Arsenal’s highly anticipated deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has encountered a critical setback, putting the summer transfer at serious risk of collapsing. Despite recent optimism surrounding the negotiations, reports from Portugal now suggest that discussions between Arsenal, Sporting, and the player’s representatives have hit an impasse.
Arsenal’s Busy Summer Transfer Window
The Gunners have been active in the transfer market as manager Mikel Arteta looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new season. So far, Arsenal have secured the services of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and defensive midfielder Christian Nørgaard. A move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is also nearing completion, with the England international reportedly undergoing a medical over the weekend.
Amid these developments, the club had been pushing to finalize a marquee signing in Gyökeres, aiming to bolster their attacking options. The Swedish striker has been on Arsenal’s radar for months, and recent updates suggested that a deal was almost done.
Deal Reportedly Close — Until It Wasn’t
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reassured fans that the agreement between Arsenal and Sporting was progressing positively. Over the weekend, Romano revealed that both clubs were narrowing the gap on a €70 million fixed fee plus €10 million in performance-related add-ons — a valuation Sporting had been firm on.
Romano noted that Gyökeres remained fully committed to joining Arsenal, even turning down higher salary offers from Saudi clubs. His agents had reportedly lowered their commission demands to help push the deal through, with the player preparing to travel to London for his medical.
However, just as the move appeared to be on the verge of completion, new reports from Portuguese outlet Record paint a much grimmer picture.
Breakdown in Negotiations Over Bonuses
According to Record, talks between all three parties have “reached a dead end” over disputes related to the €10 million bonus component of the deal. Sporting are reportedly insisting that these add-ons be tied to easily attainable performance metrics, while Arsenal are pushing back on this demand.
The fixed €70 million fee was agreed upon, but disagreements over the structure of the additional €10 million now threaten to derail the entire transfer. Sources close to the situation say there is a “serious risk” that the deal could collapse if no compromise is found soon.
Despite the uncertainty, Record notes that all scenarios remain open — leaving the door slightly ajar for a resolution if one can be reached quickly.
What This Means for Arsenal
Should the transfer fall through, Arsenal will be forced to re-evaluate their striker options late in the window. With the new season fast approaching, Arteta may face limited time to secure a Plan B should Gyökeres remain in Portugal.
Given Gyökeres’ desire to move and the significant efforts made by all parties, there’s still a chance that a last-minute agreement can be salvaged. But for now, what seemed like a done deal is once again in serious doubt.
