Report: Arsenal transfer talks stall over €10m dispute with Sporting | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres Hits Financial Snag

Gyökeres Deal Stalling Over Structure, Not Sum

Arsenal’s ongoing search for a proven striker has led them to Viktor Gyökeres—but according to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, talks with Sporting CP are currently on ice. The Gunners have tabled an €80m package, but crucially, only €65m of that is guaranteed, with €15m attached to performance-based add-ons. Sporting, on the other hand, are adamant about receiving €70m outright, no conditions attached.

In isolation, it seems like a minor gap for a club of Arsenal’s stature, but this situation illustrates how transfer negotiations often boil down not just to numbers, but to timing, structure, and leverage. Sporting’s firm stance, even in the face of Gyökeres’ desire to move, has created an impasse. As Delaney reports:

“Sporting want €70m guaranteed, with no add-ons.”

The forward’s wish is clear—he wants to join Arsenal. Delaney notes:

“Viktor Gyökeres has expressed his desire to join Arsenal.”

Echoes of Sesko: A Familiar Theme for Arsenal

This isn’t the first time this summer Arsenal have found themselves in this sort of deadlock. Their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko ended similarly—with a €10m difference causing talks to stall.

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“The situation mirrors Arsenal’s earlier pursuit of Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in how neither club are budging.”

The key difference, though, is that unlike Sesko—whose club appeared more comfortable keeping him—Gyökeres is seemingly being allowed to move. Still, tension has brewed behind the scenes at Sporting, as their president Frederico Varandas is unhappy with how the saga has unfolded.

“Club president Frederico Varandas has been irritated by how the situation has been conducted… especially since Sporting have let it be known they won’t stand in his way.”

Arsenal’s Next Move

At 27, Gyökeres is in the prime of his career and coming off a superb season in Portugal. He scored 29 goals in 33 league appearances last season and added a physical, direct option that would certainly offer something different to Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup. The Gunners’ willingness to offer €80m suggests they are serious, but their insistence on add-ons could cost them the player.

If Sporting don’t budge, Arsenal will have to either restructure their offer or risk missing out again. In a summer where they’ve already had to walk away from one target, fans are right to wonder how many of these ‘near misses’ can be chalked up as smart business—versus an unwillingness to act decisively.

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From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this feels like another case of the club being close, but not quite close enough. While €80m is a big number, the refusal to meet Sporting’s demands outright may come off as penny-pinching—especially for a player who clearly wants to join and could make an immediate impact.

Mikel Arteta needs a clinical striker who can offer power and presence in the box. Gyökeres fits that brief. He’s not just a goal machine; he’s aggressive, works hard off the ball, and could link play well with Arsenal’s fluid forward line. Missing out on Sesko was a blow, but repeating the same pattern here might raise eyebrows among supporters already wary of the club’s negotiating style.

Some might argue that sticking to valuation principles is wise in the long term. But with Champions League football secured and the Premier League title within reach, fans are demanding ambition—not caution.

Sporting have made it clear they won’t stand in Gyökeres’ way. Arsenal must decide quickly whether they’re truly all-in on this transfer. Because if they’re not, someone else will be.