Arsenal’s private feelings on Viktor Gyokeres transfer as move hits major stumbling block

Viktor Gyokeres has decided he will not play for Sporting Lisbon ever again as he bids to try and secure a move away from the club by going on strike amid Arsenal’s interest

Arsenal are still optimistic they will sign Viktor Gyokeres, who is threatening to go on strike to force a move. Gyokeres, 27, has told Sporting Lisbon he will not report up for pre-season training as they prepare to return this week.

Reports in Portugal say Gyokeres wants to take drastic action to push through a £70m move to the Emirates. There has been an increasingly ugly stand-off between Gyokeres and Sporting president Frederico Varandas who is refusing to let him go without a fight.

Gyokeres has effectively agreed personal terms on a five year contract but the clubs have stalled on agreeing a fee. Earlier this week Sporting imposed a “cooling off” period after talks with Arsenal failed to produce agreement.

Arsenal remain optimistic and keen but the move is in danger of stalling even though Gyokores is desperate to move to the Emirates. Sporting want around £70m with at least £60m up front and the rest in add-ons while Gyokores has insisted he has a “gentleman’s agreement” allowing him to go.

Varandas has denied any such agreement is in place and Sporting are determined to stand firm on the price.

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That is the big obstacle but there is still huge optimism that the deal will get done for Gyokeres to become Arsenal’s new No9. Gyokeres is making it clear he does not want to return to Sporting in a further stand-off but talks are being seen as drawn out rather than stalled.

The ex-Coventry and Brighton striker Gyokeres left English football to become a huge hit in Portugal where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances. Arsenal believe he can score the goals to be a hit in English football and they are pushing hard to get business done before they jet off on their preseason tour.

They are closing in on a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke despite huge fan backlash against his signature.

They have announced Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a £12m deal, they have completed a deal on keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arsenal also need to tie down Ethan Nwaneri, 18, who is entering the final year of his contract but wants playing time and the uncertainty around his future – with him fitting perfectly into Chelsea’s model – is a huge concern.

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