Arsenal Face Setback in Viktor Gyökeres Negotiations Despite €80m Offer

Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has hit a stumbling block, despite the Premier League side offering a deal worth more than Sporting’s initial valuation.

The Gunners have tabled a proposal worth €80 million in total, structured as €65 million upfront with an additional €15 million in potential performance-related bonuses. However, Sporting remain firm in their stance, demanding €70 million as a guaranteed fee, with no interest in add-ons.

Negotiations have reached an impasse, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The situation is drawing comparisons to Arsenal’s earlier efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, which also stalled over a €10 million difference in valuation. However, there is a key difference in this case—the strong desire from Gyökeres’ camp to secure a move away from Lisbon.

Sources suggest that the player’s willingness to leave has added pressure to the negotiations, making it increasingly difficult for Sporting to retain him. Club president Frederico Varandas is said to be frustrated by the handling of the situation—not necessarily by Gyökeres himself—but by the way talks have unfolded publicly and behind the scenes.

Despite the deadlock, Sporting have privately indicated they are open to selling the striker under the right terms. However, they remain adamant about receiving a guaranteed fee, rather than a package reliant on conditional payments.

Arsenal now face a difficult decision on whether to improve their offer or walk away, as their search for a top striker continues in a challenging transfer market.