Viktor Gyokeres transfer: Arsenal handed major boost as Sporting Lisbon threat issued

Sporting are eyeing Almeria’s Luis Suarez as their ideal replacement for Viktor Gyokeres amid ongoing transfer discussions with Arsenal and a £63.5million deal that has continued to drag

Almeria president Joao Goncalves has warned Sporting CP they are willing to sell striker Luis Suarez elsewhere as negotiations with Arsenal rumble on for Viktor Gyokeres. Sporting view ex-Watford frontman Suarez, who scored 31 goals in 43 appearances last season, as the perfect replacement for their Sweden international talisman.

However, there is also interest from Europe with Sunderland and Burnley among a list of sides to have made initial enquiries.

Sporting are only willing to proceed with a deal for Suarez once they have finalised the sale of Gyokeres to Arsenal, which is yet to have been ratified due to a difference of opinion over the potential add-ons involved in the £63.5million package.

Almeria chief Goncalves has now revealed he’s willing to move forward in negotiations with other clubs, telling CNN Portugal: “Luis has had his best season, he’s in the best moment of his career. 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve.

“We haven’t had any official contact with Sporting to date. We haven’t received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we’re moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We’re managing our timing.

“Fair value? He has a €40million release clause. To paraphrase Frederico Varandas – we’re not asking for the value of the clause, but we’re going to defend our interests.”

The Colombian international is under contract with LaLiga 2 outfit Almeria until 2029 but it’s understood the player wants to join Sporting.

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Ultimately, that could prove key because even if Almeria agree a club-to-club deal with another suitor, Suarez may yet hold out for Sporting.

Still, Goncalves’ comments provide yet another motive for the Portuguese champions to quickly finalise an agreement with Arsenal for Gyokeres. The Swede is awaiting permission to travel to London to undergo his medical examinations.

He will not be travelling with the Arsenal squad to Singapore today for their pre-season tour of Asia, however, he remains likely to join the group in due course once all relevant formalities have been successfully concluded.

Arsenal have already agreed an initial fee of £55m (€63.5m) for Gyokeres and they’ll also pay around £8.5m (€10m) in bonuses.

Sporting’s preference is to receive £2.2m (€2.5m) once the 27-year-old has made 20 appearances, £2.2m (€2.5m) once Gyokeres has hit 40 appearances and then a further £2.2m (€2.5m) if Arsenal secure Champions League qualification. The Gunners want the final bonus payment to be more difficult to achieve but Sporting are said to be seeking assurances they will eventually receive the entire fee.

Arsenal and Sporting are also discussing the FIFA solidarity mechanism which compensates Gyokeres’ previous clubs for their role in the striker’s development.

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