Viktor Gyokeres was Ruben Amorim’s priority target for the Manchester United striker’s position ahead of the new season, but Arsenal seemed to have edged ahead in the race.
The Swede wanted Champions League football, something the Gunners could provide, and Fabrizio Romano had indicated an agreement between Sporting CP and the North London outfit was close to be agreed.
But Portuguese outlet Record have suggested otherwise. They have claimed there has been no contact between both clubs with a difference in valuation still remaining.
While the English side want to pay €65 million up front plus add-ons, Sporting have refused to come to the negotiating table for below an up front payment of €70 million.
Arsenal deal stalls
“Stalled. Contrary to the most optimistic expectations, the last few hours have not brought any developments in the process of transferring Gyökeres to Arsenal. In fact, the signs continue to be contradictory.
“Despite there being a short distance separating the parties – the English are offering €65 million + €5 million + €10 million and Sporting are demanding a fixed €70 million – there has been no approach or concession from either side of the fence since Sunday.”
Viktor Gyokeres has already indicated that he will not play for Sporting again. And with his move to Arsenal in jeopardy, The Sun have revealed that the Sweden international has a Plan B in mind in case things go south.
Arsenal have Benjamin Sesko as a backup option, and with the ex-Coventry City ace getting impatient, he is even willing to agree a loan exit for now before agreeing a switch next season, akin to what Victor Osimhen did last season.
Fenerbahce, Juventus and United are all monitoring proceedings with interest, and should the Sporting-Arsenal deadlock not get broken, the Red Devils might have a glorious chance to pounce and get their long-term target on the cheap.
“VIKTOR GYOKERES will consider a worst-case-scenario loan move away from Sporting Lisbon should his dream Arsenal switch fall through.
“SunSport understands the player has a ‘Plan B’ should he not make the Emirates switch – waiting until the end of the summer window and going out on loan to a European club.
Loan exit could be an option
“This is not an unfamiliar tactic – Victor Osimhen pulled off the same move last summer when deals to leave Napoli for Saudi side Al-Ahli and then Chelsea fell through at the last minute.
“Reports suggest that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are among those sniffing around in case Gyokeres needs a loan move this summer, while Manchester United and Juventus have also been monitoring the situation.”
Whether such a dream scenario actually presents itself in front of INEOS remains to be seen. Given the striker has rejected a move to Old Trafford in the recent past, it is better to move on and target other players.
Ollie Watkins and Moise Kean are among the names being scouted while a trio of free agents — Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson have also been offered to United.
Feature image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
