The transfer saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres has taken an emotional turn, with the striker's father reportedly "reduced to tears" as the move to Arsenal teeters on the brink of collapse. According to reports, the negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon have hit a stalemate, leaving the Gyokeres family distraught.
Initially, the two clubs had verbally agreed to a five-year deal worth £55 million, with an additional £8.6 million in add-ons and bonuses. However, discussions have stalled over the structure of these payments, with Sporting pushing for more upfront cash. This delay has prevented Arsenal from finalizing the deal in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, which began on Wednesday against AC Milan.
The uncertainty has reportedly taken a toll on Gyokeres and his family. A Portuguese outlet, Abola, revealed that the player's father, Stefan, was moved to tears over Sporting's handling of the situation. The club has remained firm on their demands, leaving Arsenal's latest bid unanswered for six days.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly reentered the race to sign the 27-year-old striker. According to Record, United are prepared to offer a higher bid, ranging between £60 million and £69 million, in a last-ditch attempt to hijack the deal. Gyokeres, who previously worked under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting, has made it clear that his preference remains a move to Arsenal.
However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has been vocal about the negotiations, insisting that Gyokeres will not be allowed to leave unless the club's demands are fully met. The striker has already refused to return to pre-season training, prompting Varandas to suggest disciplinary action. Despite this, Gyokeres appears determined to leave, as evidenced by recent footage of a removal van outside his Lisbon home.
If Arsenal can secure the deal, Gyokeres is expected to join the squad by August 6, when the Gunners host Villarreal in their first pre-season game back from Asia. The Premier League season kicks off shortly after, with Arsenal ironically starting their campaign away at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
As the transfer window drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Gyokeres and the clubs vying for his signature.
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