Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga takes shock twist as 'prepare for the worst' claim made amid Arsenal talks

A twist has emerged regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting CP and Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres, 27, seems destined to sign for Arsenal, having previously been linked with clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal following an impressive 2024/25 campaign in Portugal during which he scored 54 goals in 52 games.

On Sunday, it was reported that the Swede was close to agreeing a deal worth around €80 million (£69m) which would see him become the most expensive Swedish player of all time, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexander Isak.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that although Arsenal were in advanced talks, they had yet to agree on an exact transfer fee with Sporting CP.

Although agreeing on personal terms is not expected to be an issue, as the player is willing to join the Premier League club.

Viktor Gyokeres wants to sign for Arsenal this summer (Image:Getty)

While journalist Fabrizio Romano even claimed that Gyokeres was willing to sacrifice his own money to facilitate a move.

“Viktor Gyökeres has agreed to give up €2m from his salary in order to facilitate negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting,” Romano wrote.

“Sporting insist on a higher fee compared to Arsenal proposal, and Gyökeres tries his best, also giving up money to make it happen.”

On Tuesday, Portuguese outlet Record reported that “The Swede hopes that the deal with Arsenal will be closed in the next few hours, but is already prepared for the worst. He does not want to return to the club and admits he could force a loan at the end of the market”.

Martin Zubimendi signed for Arsenal on Sunday (Credit:Getty)

The outlet added: “If the rope breaks once and for all between Arsenal and Sporting, ending in transfer collapse, then Gyokeres plans to ‘take the conflict to new levels'."

According to the Manchester Evening News, Gyokeres is expected to return to pre-season training on July 11 – one day before the Sporting CP squad travels to the Algarve for a training camp.

If Gyokeres were to sign for Arsenal, he would join Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi at the club, as he recently signed a five-year deal after Arteta’s side met his £51m release clause in March.

Former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has also signed for Arsenal, while Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera are linked with moves to the Gunners.