Viktor Gyokeres’ Future Uncertain as Arsenal Freezes Talks Amid Sporting’s Price Hike

Arsenal have reportedly ‘frozen’ their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, despite the striker snubbing Manchester United to favour a move to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is on the hunt for a new prolific forward and has promised fans an eventful transfer window. “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,” Arteta said earlier this year.

“The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different.

“But now when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad but also we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.”

It’s reported that Arsenal have now shifted their focus back to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The Gunners tried to sign Watkins during the January transfer window, claiming they were offered the forward as Villa looked to balance their finances. However, Villa ended up selling Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr instead, and Watkins remained at the club.

Viktor Gyokeres had become the top target for the Gunners’ attack after netting an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances since his move to Sporting in 2023. The Red Devils had shown interest in the 27-year-old goal machine, but he made it clear his preference was for a club playing in the Champions League.

Yet, according to Portuguese news source Record, Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres has cooled off due to Sporting’s hefty price tag. It’s understood that Sporting turned down an initial bid of €55million (£47m) with another €10m (£8.5m) potentially coming from add-ons. Arsenal reportedly offered a total package of around €70m (£60m) for Sporting’s star player, but the Portuguese club is holding out for the full £85m release clause. Sporting president Frederico Varandas was firm in his stance, stating: “Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”