Arsenal's failure to reach a deal with Sporting Lisbon in the Viktor Gyokeres deal could put them at a disadvantage, as Manchester United are stepping up efforts to sign the Swedish striker.
The Gunners are said to have been negotiating with Sporting for some time, focusing on negotiating a transfer fee structure. However, this hesitation could cost Arsenal the advantage, especially as Premier League opponents - including Man United - are ready to make a surprise.
Gyokeres is said to be very eager to leave Sporting Lisbon in the summer transfer window. Especially in the context of the increasingly tense relationship between him and the team. After threatening to attack to put pressure, the Swedish striker seemed to have achieved his goal when Arsenal switched to him, instead of chasing Benjamin Sesko.
Over the weekend, it was reported that Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon had reached a oral agreement on an initial transfer fee of £55 million, along with £8.6 million in bonuses and add-ons. However, negotiations are still ongoing and a final agreement has not yet been reached.
According to British media, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been in talks with Sporting's board in recent days to agree on the remaining terms. However, this delay is creating conditions for opponents like Man United to rush into the deal.
The biggest problem at the moment is how to build a deal between Arsenal and Sporting. The delay in negotiations has prevented the Emirates team from completing the contract with Gyokeres before the pre-season tour in Asia.
Initially, this was only seen as a small obstacle in the journey to bring the Swedish striker to the Emirates. However, things could get worse after the Portuguese media suddenly revealed shocking information on Sunday.
Accordingly, the deal between Arsenal and Sporting in the Gyokeres deal is " increasingly at risk". The Gunners' fixed price is £55 million, which could increase to £60 million after Gyokeres' agent waives the £5.6 million commission. However, the rigid payment structure of this proposal was not accepted by Sporting.
Meanwhile, the "Red Devils" are said to have entered the race with a new offer worth £6069 million, putting more pressure on Arsenal. However, Gyokeres - who was a student of coach Ruben Amorim - still prioritizes moving to the Emirates. The Swedish striker's future remains a big question mark as the summer transfer window heats up.
The 27-year-old is currently under contract with Sporting Lisbon until June 2028. This gave the Portuguese the advantage in negotiations and allowed them to maintain a tough stance.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas did not hesitate to express his decisive views to the media: "If they (Arsenal) do not want to pay a reasonable price to Viktor, we are completely comfortable with that for the next 3 years."
