Arsenal’s summer transfer window has taken an unexpected twist, as hopes of signing prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres are now hanging by a thread.
According to a fresh report from respected journalist David Ornstein, the Swedish international’s highly anticipated move to the Emirates is at serious risk of falling apart.
The Gunners had identified Gyokeres as their prime forward target this summer, aiming to finally bring in a reliable goalscorer to push them over the line after finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.
The 26-year-old striker had enjoyed a blistering campaign with Sporting CP, scoring an astonishing 97 goals in just 102 appearances across all competitions — a record that had firmly placed him on Arsenal’s radar.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting have been ongoing for weeks, with Gyokeres reportedly informing the Portuguese giants of his desire to leave in search of a new challenge in England.
Initial discussions appeared promising, especially as personal terms between the striker and Arsenal were agreed early on, and both parties seemed to settle on a transfer fee in the region of €70 million — including €10 million in potential add-ons.
However, in a dramatic development reported by Portuguese outlet Record and later echoed by Ornstein during his appearance on Sky Sports News, the transfer has reached a standstill over the structure of the bonuses included in the deal.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas is said to be demanding near-guaranteed performance-based add-ons, while Arsenal are offering a package that includes conditional clauses not seen as easily achievable by the Lisbon club.
“The deal isn’t done yet,” Ornstein stated. “They still need to finalise the nature of the add-ons. Sporting want fixed, guaranteed bonuses. Arsenal’s version of how those add-ons are triggered is reportedly less straightforward. These are the typical tensions you see in the final stretch of negotiations — things can get a little bit tense.”
“It can get a little bit tense, Arsenal are hopeful of getting him on the pre-season tour” 🔴
The Athletic’s David Ornstein comments on reports in the Portuguese media that Viktor Gyokeres’ deal to Arsenal is in doubt. pic.twitter.com/sybYXbFd2J
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2025
The disagreement has reportedly brought talks to a “dead end,” and unless there is a breakthrough soon, the deal could completely collapse. Portuguese newspaper A Bola adds that only €3 million of the add-ons proposed by Arsenal are considered “realistically attainable” by Sporting — a far cry from the €10 million structure initially floated.
To make matters more frustrating for Arsenal, Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya has already waived his commission in a desperate bid to remove obstacles and get the transfer over the line. Yet even with that gesture, a resolution has not been reached.
This latest hitch comes as a major blow to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is keen to wrap up key signings early in the window to give new players ample time to integrate before the start of the season.
The club has already confirmed the arrivals of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, experienced goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and defensive midfielder Christian Norgaard — but the lack of a proven goalscorer remains a glaring hole in the squad.
