Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer takes twist as response to private meeting comes to light

Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon remain several million apart over the upfront fee for Viktor Gyokeres after 48 hours of talks in Portugal with fresh reports saying next few hours may decide fate

Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal is on the brink of collapsing according to reports in Portugal because the Gunners and Sporting Lisbon are struggling to agree a fee for the prolific striker.

An Arsenal delegation include transfer chief Andrea Berta have spent the past 48 hours negotiating with their Sporting counterparts after personal terms before the Premier League giants and Gyokeres’ representatives were already agreed.

But Record report that a €5m (£4.3m) gap remains between the clubs. Arsenal are offering a package of €65m (£56m) plus future payments of €5m and €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons. However Sporting are demanding €70m (£60m) up front and are unwilling to budge.

The outlet adds that Arsenal’s negotiators are now heading back to England and the next few hours may be decisive – bringing either a breakthrough or seeing the entire deal collapse.

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Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Gabriel Heinze as their new first team coach with the former Manchester United full back set to boost Mikel Arteta ’s brains trust.

The ex-Argentina international has already linked up with the Gunners as they begin their pre-season preparations ahead of a renewed attempt to the end their two-decade wait for the Premier League title.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gabriel Heinze to our coaching staff as men’s first team coach,” Arsenal said in a statement.

“Heinze, a former Argentina international, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the club. We are excited with the introduction of Gabriel to our men’s first-team coaching staff, and welcome him and his family to Arsenal.”

Arsenal are back in training and have five friendlies pencilled in, beginning with fixtures with AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore before facing Spurs in Hong Kong later this month. The Gunners then host Villarreal and Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup on August 5 and 9.

Arteta has already welcomed Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi into his playing squad while they remain in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon for the centre forward Viktor Gyokeres. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is also set to join, while there remains talk of an audacious swoop for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

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