Star player's delayed arrival, what does it mean for Emirates move?
Viktor Gyokeres has been granted extended leave by Sporting CP, pushing back his return to pre-season training as speculation around a potential Arsenal move continues to grow.
Sporting have allowed the striker additional time off, placing him in the same returning group as Conrad Harder and Geovany Quenda, who were involved in the Under-21 European Championship this summer.
Despite the delay being officially sanctioned by the club, sources in Portugal suggest Gyokeres has made it clear he would prefer not to return at all. The 27-year-old is said to be fully focused on securing a Premier League move, with Arsenal firmly at the top of his list.
Sporting remain adamant that any sale must meet their €80 million valuation. However, there is now more flexibility in negotiations, with the club reportedly open to accepting a portion of the fee through bonuses.
A structure involving €70 million up front plus €10 million in achievable variables is understood to be acceptable.
Arsenal have made informal contact, with an offer in the region of €55 million plus €10 million in add-ons floated, though no formal bid has yet been submitted.
The Gunners are expected to make another push soon, as Mikel Arteta aims to have his squad largely assembled before their pre-season tour of Asia begins on 19 July.
Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, scoring 39 goals in 33 league appearances and adding seven assists. He also netted six times in the Champions League, further elevating his stock across Europe.
The striker rejected a lucrative approach from Saudi club Al Qadsiah earlier this week, reiterating his desire to test himself in England’s top flight. Sporting director Andrea Berta’s conviction is that the Swede can make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has cooled in recent weeks, and Gyokeres is now seen as the club’s primary target to lead the line.
With Sporting’s stance softening on payment terms, the path is clear for Arsenal to intensify efforts in the coming days — and Gyokeres’ extended absence from training could be a sign that both parties are preparing for a decisive breakthrough.
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