Swedish goal machine Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly fearing the worst over his long-anticipated £68 million move to Arsenal, with negotiations between the Premier League giants and Sporting Lisbon now hanging by a thread.
Despite months of buildup and personal terms already agreed upon for a five-year deal, the two clubs remain miles apart on valuation, jeopardizing what many saw as Arsenal’s biggest summer swoop.
Gyokeres has told Sporting that he will never wear their shirt again, having grown frustrated with the club’s stance that contradicts what he believes was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’, an informal pact allowing him to leave for around £60 million.
However, Sporting are standing firm, demanding the full £60 million up front with £8 million in add-ons, despite his contract running until 2028.
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With talks at an impasse, Arsenal, who had shifted their focus from RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to Gyokeres after his sensational 97 goals in 102 games, are reportedly willing to walk away from the deal.
Negotiators from North London have already left Lisbon empty-handed, casting serious doubt on the completion of this high-stakes transfer.
Behind the scenes, the 26-year-old Swede is preparing for Plan B. Should Arsenal pull out, Gyokeres will pursue a loan move elsewhere in Europe. Echoing a strategy used by Victor Osimhen last season before his move to Galatasaray, Gyokeres is refusing to report to pre-season training, citing a major fallout with the Sporting hierarchy.
Sources indicate that Fenerbahce, now under Jose Mourinho, and Juventus are monitoring the striker’s status closely, ready to swoop in if the Arsenal deal collapses. While Manchester United have shown past interest, it’s Arsenal who have remained in pole position, until now.
The situation is turning increasingly toxic, with Gyokeres’s camp growing fearful of a total collapse in talks. The striker has been granted extra days off to finalize a move away, but time is running out, and if no agreement is reached, expect a major European loan twist to define the end of his summer saga.
As tensions escalate between club and player, all eyes are now on Arsenal.
Will they budge on Sporting’s terms to secure their new No.9, or will Gyokeres be forced to find a new home through the back door?
