Arsenal are facing a torrid time in their attempts to reach an agreement with Sporting CP over the signing of coveted forward Viktor Gyökeres. SoftFootball earlier reported that the Gunners had walked away from a potential deal to sign Benjamin Šeško, instead opting to finalise a move for Gyökeres.
However, that decision may now backfire, as talks with Sporting have reportedly hit a deadlock, and hopes of sealing the deal are crumbling rapidly, according to Goal.
Both clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the Swedish striker, and despite initial optimism, the deal now looks increasingly unlikely to materialize.
In a strategic move, Sporting CP delayed Gyökeres’ return to pre-season, hoping to buy time and diffuse potential unrest after reports emerged that the player could consider going on strike to force the move. However, with neither side willing to compromise, the window for agreement appears to be closing fast.
While Arsenal are eager to reinforce their attacking line, the standoff with Sporting has shown that the club are not desperate and are willing to consider other options if Gyökeres becomes unattainable.
One such option could be Benjamin Šeško, the striker Arsenal had initially dropped from their shortlist. The Gunners had reached an advanced stage with the Slovenian international, who had already agreed to personal terms.
However, negotiations with RB Leipzig broke down due to a disagreement over his £80 million valuation and payment structure, with Arsenal reportedly £10 million short of the asking price.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have walked away from the table during those talks, but with the Gyökeres deal faltering, the Gunners may have no choice but to reopen talks with Leipzig if they want to secure a top-tier striker this summer.
Softfootball reported that Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, but a clinical striker remains the final piece of the puzzle ahead of the new campaign.
The urgency is mounting, as Arsenal hope to finalise a striker signing before their pre-season tour to Asia on July 19.
