Arsenal’s high-stakes move for Viktor Gyökeres is now on the verge of falling apart — despite reaching a fee agreement with Sporting Lisbon earlier this week.
According to A Bola, the €90m deal is at “serious risk of collapse” after Arsenal failed to meet Sporting’s demands for payment structure and bonuses. The report claims the striker is “distancing himself” from the move, with his father reportedly left “in tears” over the breakdown in talks.
This news arrives just days after Fabrizio Romano insisted Arsenal were still “confident” of completing the deal, despite ongoing disputes over €10m in performance-based add-ons.
Why Arsenal and Sporting Are Falling Out
Although the two clubs have agreed a headline transfer fee of €90m, A Bola reports that three key issues are holding the deal up:
Bonuses: Arsenal are offering €3m + €7m in complex bonuses. Sporting want €10m in achievable targets.
“The lack of confidence in the agreement led Gyökeres’ father to cry from Friday to Saturday… he no longer believes in the success of the transfer.” — Expressen (Sweden)
Gyökeres’ Record at Sporting Lisbon
| Season | Club | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Sporting CP | 48 | 36 | 9 |
Analyst Verdict: Arteta’s No.9 Plan Hanging by a Thread
Gyökeres had been lined up as the marquee No.9 signing for Arsenal’s summer rebuild, with Mikel Arteta and Edu both reportedly in favour of the move.
But sources in Portugal now believe Sporting president Frederico Varandas is refusing to budge, interpreting Arsenal’s reluctance as a tactic to pressure a last-minute discount.
Arsenal have already spent heavily this summer on Martin Zubimendi, Kepa, Norgaard and Noni Madueke. But without a striker, the window could feel incomplete.
Key Insights
- Arsenal’s €90m deal with Sporting is now “at risk of collapse”
- Gyökeres is reportedly “distancing himself” from the move
- Disagreements over bonuses, instalments and training fees persist
- Sporting president Varandas refusing to compromise
- Player’s father reportedly “in tears” over stalled transfer
What’s next for Arsenal and Gyökeres?
Talks may resume over the weekend, but Arsenal risk losing the striker entirely if they don’t compromise soon. Sporting are firm, and with Gyökeres losing faith, the Gunners may be forced to walk away — or give in.
Should Arsenal hold firm — or pay up to land Gyökeres before the window heats up?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 20 Jul 2025 11:34
Sporting are known tough negotiators, they have every right to expect the deal to be the best for them they can get. Arsenal are looking like amateur’s here. All they are doing is wasting time in getting Gyokeres into the squad for pre season. Gyokeres also hasn’t covered himself in any glory. Why’s his dad crying? His son happily moved to Sporting, and would still be playing in the championship, or for Burnley had Sporting not taken a chance on him. He has a contract he happily signed.
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