Arsenal’s big-money move for Viktor Gyökeres remains stalled as payment structure disputes and transfer conditions continue to delay an agreement with Sporting CP.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres has hit a frustrating deadlock, with the Gunners still locked in complex negotiations with Sporting CP over the finer details of a deal that could be worth around £69 million ($93 million). Despite the striker’s firm desire to make the switch to the Premier League this summer, significant obstacles remain—and time is ticking.
Gyökeres, who bagged 43 goals in all competitions last season, has already made his intentions clear. The Swedish international has skipped Sporting’s pre-season preparations, staying in Sweden rather than reporting back to Lisbon, in what is being interpreted as a calculated push for the move. Yet, even with personal terms reportedly agreed, the two clubs remain far apart on the structure of the transfer.
Arsenal and Sporting at Odds Over Payment Terms
The core of the dispute lies in how the bonuses and payment schedules are structured. Sporting have proposed a layered bonus system: €2.5 million for each set of 20 appearances Gyökeres makes in north London (up to three cycles), plus another €2.5 million if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal, while not opposed to performance-based add-ons, want at least one of these clauses to be more difficult to trigger.
Another stumbling block is the solidarity mechanism—a FIFA-mandated payment that goes to clubs involved in a player’s youth development. Traditionally, the selling club handles this in full, but Sporting want to split the cost 50/50. Arsenal have also requested to stagger the fee over four installments, whereas Sporting are demanding the money in just two tranches. It’s a game of hardball that shows no sign of softening yet.
Portuguese outlet A Bola noted that no new communication had been initiated by Arsenal as of Friday, raising concerns in Lisbon that the Gunners may be dragging their feet or shifting attention elsewhere. The mood around the deal remains tense, with sources suggesting that Sporting are increasingly frustrated by the Premier League side’s reluctance to meet their terms.
Signs of a Move, but No Final Push
Interestingly, The Sun reported earlier this week that a removal van was seen outside Gyökeres’ property in Lisbon, with furniture being loaded out—perhaps a sign that the striker believes the move will eventually go through. However, without a formal agreement, such gestures remain symbolic at best.
For Arsenal, the urgency to strengthen up front is clear. With Champions League football and a title challenge on the agenda, Mikel Arteta needs a prolific, physically dominant forward who can offer a different dynamic in attack. Gyökeres, who blends raw power with intelligent movement, fits that profile.
The Gunners fly out to Asia for their pre-season tour soon, with a key friendly against AC Milan scheduled in Singapore on July 23. There is a growing sense that Arsenal would like to have a deal in place by then to integrate Gyökeres into the squad during the tour. But as it stands, they’re no closer to closing the deal than they were a week ago.
The longer this drags on, the more complicated it becomes. With other clubs monitoring the situation and Sporting holding firm on their valuation, Arsenal may be forced to either bend or pivot. The intent is clear, the striker is waiting—but the final stretch remains a tightrope.
