3 hours ago 5

Arsenal told Viktor Gyokeres asking price after initial bid rejected

Arsenal’s search for a new striker has led them to a firm wall — painted green and white.

Sporting Lisbon have told the Gunners exactly what it will cost to sign Viktor Gyokeres, and they’re not giving discounts, not even to London clubs with title dreams.

The Gunners recently had an offer worth €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons knocked back.

Sporting aren’t playing ball — unless it's a €70 million guarantee and €10 million more in add-ons. That’s €80 million or nothing, take it or leave it.

The Portuguese champions are sticking close to the Bruno Fernandes deal from 2020 — and trying to raise the bar even higher.

Gyokeres, who scored for fun last season, has been on Arsenal’s radar for months. Mikel Arteta sees him as the perfect fit up front.

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The Swede has already agreed to personal terms, and all that’s left now is for the two clubs to stop arguing over euros and start shaking hands.

The clock is ticking. Arsenal’s pre-season tour to Asia begins July 19, and Arteta is eager to have Gyokeres in the squad by then.

With matches lined up against AC Milan, Newcastle, and Spurs, the manager wants his new No. 9 to gel with the squad before the Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United.

Why Gyokeres wants to leave Sporting and join Arsenal?

Gyokeres feels his time in Portugal has run its course. He’s won trophies, scored loads of goals, and now wants the next big step.

Arsenal offer that — a team fighting for the title and a style of play that suits his strengths.

Reports in Portugal even suggest he’s so keen on the move, he might skip Sporting’s pre-season return. That’s not exactly a subtle message — more of a striker’s nudge saying, “Let me go.”

Moreover, the striker believes there was a prior understanding with the club that he could move for a set fee — around €60 million plus add-ons.

But Sporting president Frederico Varandas is standing firm, insisting on a higher price.

This disagreement has caused clear frustration for the Swedish forward, who now feels stuck between broken promises and a blocked exit.

With Arsenal circling, Gyokeres wants the move — but first, Sporting must hold up their end of what he saw as a gentleman’s agreement.

As it stands, Arsenal remain locked in talks with Sporting. The Swede’s boots may be Premier League-bound soon. But until a fee is agreed, it’s all just keepy-uppies.