Arsenal wanted an ambitious clause included in their deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres which nearly scuppered the transfer, it has been claimed.
On Wednesday morning, the Guardian claimed Arsenal and Sporting had reached an agreement over the transfer of Sweden striker Gyokeres after a lengthy negotiation.
The deal is said to be worth up to €73.5m (£63.7m), with the striker set to be the Gunners’ fifth summer signing, after the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke.
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Indeed, Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also widely reported to be closing in on a move to the north Londoners.
Arsenal are signing one of Europe’s most in demand strikers, with the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City attacker having netted 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting last term.
However, Gooners would have been forgiven for thinking the deal was in jeopardy last week as negotiations dragged on.
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The Guardian has claimed a sticking point in negotiations was that Sporting believed that only €5m of Arsenal’s proposed €10m bonuses were achievable.
One clause that was allegedly suggested related to Gyokeres winning the Ballon d’Or while at Arsenal.
Gyokeres’ transfer saga featured several twists, with Sporting holding firm to receive the money they were due, and the player refusing to return for pre-season training so as to force the move.
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Arsenal were targeting a striker this summer, having gone through much of the 2024-25 campaign without a recognised No.9 due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League, ten points behind champions Liverpool, having scored 17 fewer goals.
Arsenal are currently on a pre-season tour of Asia, with a 30-man squad, including new signings Kepa, Zubimendi and Norgaard, having travelled to SIngapore for a set of fixtures against AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.
Topics: Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres, Transfer News, Football, Premier League
Chris Byfield