BREAKING NEWS: Viktor Gyökeres’ transfer saga has hit a snag that could force Arsenal into a significantly bigger financial commitment than initially anticipated.
Originally, Gyökeres and Sporting Lisbon’s management had reached a “gentleman’s agreement” for a €60 million base fee, plus €10 million in bonuses. However, Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, claims no such pact exists and has refused to honour it, reiterating that any offer below the player’s €100 million release clause will be dismissed as “blackmail and insults” . Gyökeres’ agent insists he holds written proof of this earlier agreement—whether in a separate letter or embedded in a contractual clause—which would obligate Sporting to compensate the player if they reject an official €60 million offer .
This clash has stalled the transfer. The Swedish striker, keen on a move to Arsenal, has reportedly refused to play for Sporting again and informed both his friends and family that he expects to join the Gunners . Meanwhile, Arsenal have submitted bids—initially around £47 million (€55 million) rising to £60 million—but Sporting have rebuffed these, standing firm on their valuation and refusing to negotiate .
Consequently, the Gunners face two options: either increase their bid to a figure closer to Sporting’s uncertain but likely closer-to-release‑clause demands, or pivot to alternative targets like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško—a deal that appears more straightforward and is reportedly progressing well .
If Arsenal wants Gyökeres, they’ll have to dig deeper into their pockets—potentially paying €80–100 million, significantly more than the previously expected €60–70 million. With pre-season looming, Arteta and Berta are under growing pressure to swiftly resolve this saga, not just for Gyökeres, but for their entire striker recruitment strategy .
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