Arsenal are closing in on the signature of Viktor Gyokeres - after finally landing a price they like.
The Gunners have been in fractious talks with Sporting Lisbon over the Sweden striker. Gyokeres, 27, has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since moving to Portugal two years ago. But he’s desperate to move to a bigger stage and has set his sights on a move to the Gunners.
For their part, Arsenal turned their attention to Gyokeres after baulking at RB Leipzig’s price tag - plus agent fees - for Benjamin Sesko, who had been Mikel Arteta's No.1 choice to be his new No.9.
But sporting director Andrea Berta has always preferred the Swede, has pushed to get the deal done and has negotiated in good faith with Sporting, even when things have turned nasty between the player and his current club.
Gyokeres refused to report for Sporting when he was meant to return for pre-season training on Saturday, the latest stage in an ugly stand-off with president club Frederico Varandas. But finally he is set to get his move, having agreed a five year deal with the Gunners.
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Arsenal have agreed terms on a move worth £55m up front with a further £8.6m in guaranteed add-ons, ensuring a deal worth £63.6m.
Sporting had been demanding upwards of £70m but the player’s agent has waived the 10 percent of any fee he would’ve been owed to ensure the move can finally go ahead.
Gyokeres is now all set to move this week to North London, as the club’s summer strengthening continues, designed to finally give them the Premier League crown they so desperately crave.
Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga have already signed for a combined £71m. Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke is also arriving for £52m to add further adding thrust from out wide, with Gyokeres finally giving Arteta the out-and-out striker he has been so keen to add.
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