Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres Deal Faces Major Setback as Transfer Talks Hit Critical Snag

Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres Deal Faces Major Setback as Transfer Talks Hit Critical Snag

Arsenal's discussions regarding the highly anticipated acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres have reportedly reached a deadlock concerning the complexities of establishing an appropriate payment arrangement with Sporting CP.

The future of Gyökeres seemed to be on the verge of resolution. Reports suggested that terms for a five-year deal with the player had been agreed upon, with the Swedish striker allegedly prepared to sacrifice a portion of his proposed salary to expedite the transfer process.

However, as is typical in the unpredictable realm of Arsenal's transfer activities, it seems that various media sources may have been premature in their reporting.

Arteta's team is said to have seen their formal bid of €65 million (£56.2 million, $76.3 million) in guaranteed funds plus €15 million (£13 million, $17.6 million) in performance-related bonuses turned down. Sporting reportedly demands an upfront payment of €70 million (£60.5 million, $82.1 million) along with an additional €10 million (£8.6 million, $11.7 million) in incentives.

This €5 million difference has become a point of heated discussion, yet no compromise was reached during weekend negotiations, as reported by Record. Arsenal's delegation allegedly returned to London empty-handed, with the entire transaction now considered to be "at risk". The dramatically worded phrase "all out war" was also mentioned.

According to A BOLA, Friday, July 11 has been highlighted as a significant date. This marks when Gyökeres is expected to rejoin Sporting for pre-season preparations, and attention will focus on whether the 27-year-old will carry out his reported threat to refuse training.

The Portuguese publication also reports that Gyökeres has reached agreement on an annual wage of €8.3 million with Arsenal, equivalent to approximately £138,000 ($188,000) weekly.

Sporting are reportedly eager to conclude negotiations for their star player and are "awaiting" Arsenal's subsequent proposal. Following extensive speculation and years of pursuing a high-profile striker signing, the Gunners surely cannot allow this transfer to fail over a mere €5 million difference.