Discussions are continuing as Arsenal's move for the Sweden striker enters its final stages.
Arsenal are still confident of completing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres and a deal is in the final stages, Sporting News understands.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Portuguese side Sporting CP have progressed significantly in recent days, with the Gunners increasing their fixed offer to €63.5 million (£54m/$69m), plus €10 million (£8m/$11m) in performance-related bonuses.
The structure of those bonuses, however, remains the main sticking point holding up the agreement.
Sources have told Sporting News that Viktor Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has waived the 10 percent commission he would normally be entitled to in order to help push the deal through.
That move allowed Arsenal to raise their fixed offer, effectively meeting Sporting’s expectations.
Under Sporting’s original demands, they were seeking €70 million (£59m/$76m) up front, but would have been required to pay €7 million (£6m/$7.6m) in agent fees, leaving a net gain of €63 million (£53m/$68m).
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
With the commission waived, Arsenal proposed €63.5 million in fixed payments, matching Sporting's target and sent an updated offer on Monday. That proposal included €5 million (£4m/$5.4m) in relatively easy-to-achieve bonuses and another €5 million based on more difficult conditions.
Sporting responded by requesting that the entire €10 million be linked to achievable targets. In their most recent offer, Arsenal shifted the structure again, tying only €3 million (£3m/$3.2m) to achievable goals while the remaining €7 million (£6m/$7.6m) was dependent on more ambitious objectives.
The Portuguese side were not satisfied with that change and rejected the proposal after reviewing the terms in detail. Club officials remain firm in their position and are now waiting for a fresh proposal from Arsenal, which is expected to arrive within hours.
Despite the impasse over the bonus structure, Arsenal remain optimistic that a deal can be finalised. Gyokeres has already verbally agreed to a five-year contract and has already spoken to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta ahead of the move.
The Swedish striker has not reported for pre-season training under new manager Rui Borges, and has yet to provide a justification for his absence. Sporting may initiate disciplinary proceedings if the situation continues.
Gyokeres is still under contract with the Portuguese club until June 2028.
A decisive round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday in London, with Cetinkaya present in the city to help bring the deal to a close.
Meanwhile, Valencia centre back Cristhian Mosquera will undergo a medical on Wednesday ahead of his move to Arsenal.
The Spanish defender, who played the full 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia’s 38 league matches in 2023/24, will join for a fee in the region of £16.5m ($22m).
“Valencia is my home and it always will be. I arrived when I was 12, and now I'm leaving as a grown man, a little sad because you've been here your whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now a new era begins,” Mosquera told Marca.
Arsenal news and related links
Category: General Sports
