'Transfer in jeopardy': Arsenal now return to London without deal, no progress after two days - report

Arsenal have had a good start to the transfer window with a couple of signings.

The Gunners announced the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea earlier this month.

This was followed by the long-awaited transfer of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The club are aiming for several more signings. A marquee striker is one of the prime priorities, and Arsenal recently opened discussions with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyokeres.

However, Record today (page 6) confirm Arsenal’s ‘return to London’ without a deal.

The ‘transfer is in jeopardy’ after two days without any progress. The ‘next few hours’ could be a make-or-break for Gyokeres.

Arsenal have so far proposed paying €65 million as a fixed fee with €5m plus €10m in add-ons. The €5m could be easily achievable while the latter of those bonuses are probably performance-based.

However, the Portuguese champions want at least €70m as a fixed package with €10m in add-ons (likely to be easily achievable). This has proved a stumbling block to completing a deal for the 27-year-old striker.

Arsenal should return with an improved proposal

The Gunners have worked simultaneously on transfers for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Gyokeres over the past month. With difficulties in finding an agreement with Leipzig and Sesko’s camp, they have turned their focus to landing Gyokeres.

The Swede has been patiently waiting for the London giants despite their initial preference for Sesko. He has given the green light for the move, and the onus is now on Arsenal to find a suitable agreement with Sporting CP for his services.

In our view, the Gunners are likely to make a renewed approach for Gyokeres in the coming days, considering the small gap in terms of the fixed fee and add-ons. It does not make sense to pull out, having agreed terms on a five-year contract with the player.

Gyokeres also appears prepared to forgo on possible loyalty bonuses of around €2m to facilitate a transfer soon. Hopefully, the club can sort out the gap in valuations with Sporting CP before the squad travel for the pre-season of Asia on July 19.

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