Sporting's €80m Gyokeres stance: The one thing Arsenal must understand
Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has received a significant boost, with Sporting CP now open to accepting a structured payment deal rather than demanding the full €80 million upfront.
Sporting are understood to be open to a package worth €70 million in guaranteed payments and a further €10 million in variables, giving Arsenal room to negotiate a more flexible financial structure for one of Sporting’s prized assets.
The Gunners have yet to submit a formal offer, but their interest is longstanding, and Sporting Director Andrea Berta sees Gyokeres as a key addition to Mikel Arteta’s attacking unit.
Gyokeres, who scored 39 goals in 33 league games last season, is expected to report for pre-season at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy on Monday.
Despite speculation that the player might skip training to force a move, Sporting remain confident that he will rejoin the squad as scheduled.
The 27-year-old is said to be frustrated over a promise made by former Sporting director Hugo Viana, who reportedly assured his agent that the striker could leave in the summer of 2025 for around €60–70 million.
That agreement was instrumental in persuading Gyokeres to remain last season and play Champions League football.
Sporting, however, are now firm on an €80 million valuation, though their willingness to include bonuses suggests a potential compromise.
Arsenal’s most recent internal valuation reportedly stood at €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, still short of the target Sporting want to reach.
Further complications arise from a clause that would see Sporting owe Gyokeres’ agent 10 percent of any official offer exceeding €60 million if it is rejected, giving the club additional motivation to find common ground.
Signed from Coventry City for €20 million plus €4 million in objectives last summer, Gyokeres is under contract until 2028 and has a €100 million release clause, but Sporting have signalled a willingness to sell at the right price.
The Sweden international has already turned down big-money offers from Saudi Arabia and is said to favour a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal considered his preferred destination.
Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal is complete and only awaiting official confirmation, while the club continues to work on finalising a deal for Christian Norgaard and making progress in talks for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
A new striker remains a top priority, and with Sporting open to a flexible deal, the path to signing Gyokeres now looks more navigable.
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