Arsenal have been dealt a big blow in their move for Victor Gyokeres, MySportDab reports.
After RB Leipzig doubled down on their £100m asking price for Benjamin Sesko, the Gunners switched attention to Gyokeres as a prime attacking option for next season.
Proceedings to secure the services of the Sweden international was on the fast lane with the player open to joining the London club.
We reported earlier agreement was reached on personal terms for a five-year contract till 2030 and the 27-year-old even gave up £2m in his acrueable wages to facilitate the move to the Premier League top side.
However, agreement on club terms was pending with Arsenal locked in talks with Sporting Lisbon. Close sources reveal Arsenal contingents were in Portugal to settle details of the deal and seal the move.
Meanwhile, it was understood Sporting are open to Gyokeres exit and were advancing in talks with Arsenal to settle terms, but on a condition that their asking price of €80m will be met.
According to Portuguese outlets, contrary to reports of progress in talks between Sporting and the Arsenal contingents, negotiations have stalled between both paries over Gyokeres transfer value.
Sporting are still holding on for their €80m valuation of the player while Arsenal have offered €75m for the forward.
Notably, despite falling short of Sporting’s asking price for the player, Arsenal’s €75m offer has crossed Gyokeres’ agreed ballpark for his exit from the Portuguese champions.
The 27-year-old had revealed he had a gentleman agreement with Sporting to leave this summer for €70m (€60 transfer fee plus €10m add-ons) – a position Sporting have discountenanced.
He has reportedly told the club that he won’t play for them next season or return for pre-season, but it is yet unclear whether a move to Arsenal is on the cards given this setback.
