Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly hit another snag, with the Swedish forward not expected to travel with the Gunners to Asia for their pre-season tour.
Mail Sport understands that the clubs are close to an agreement on a deal worth an initial £55million, with a further £7.4m in add-ons, while Gyokeres has agreed a five-year contract.
Arsenal had hoped the move would be sealed in time for Gyokeres to fly to Asia for their tour, which kicks off next Wednesday.
But according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Gyokeres has remained in Sweden, and will not be among the travelling party departing from London on Saturday.
The reason reportedly lies in the lack of agreement between Arsenal and Sporting, with talks dragging on over the structure of the deal.
The clubs remain at odds over bonus payments and the schedule of instalments, with Sporting pushing for more of the fee up front.
Viktor Gyokeres will not join Arsenal on Saturday as they leave for their pre-season tour of Asia
Mail Sport understands that the clubs are close to an agreement on a deal worth an initial £55million, with a further £7.4m in add-ons
But talks between the two clubs are still dragging on regarding the structure of the deal
There is also believed to be disagreement over solidarity contributions and training compensation, minor but essential details that have so far prevented a deal from being sealed.
During their tour of Asia, Arsenal are set to face AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, then north London rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong.
If the club get a deal for Gyokeres over the line, the striker would likely have to wait until August 6 when the Gunners host Villarreal in their first pre-season game back from Asia.
After that, Mikel Arteta’s side conclude their summer preparations against Athletic Club, before kicking off the Premier League season away at Manchester United.
Gyokeres has enjoyed a stunning two-year spell in the Portuguese top flight, netting 97 times in just 102 appearances for Sporting.
He scored 54 club goals last term across all competitions, and is rated as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
Should he seal a move to Arsenal, the 27-year-old will depart Sporting having earned two league titles and the Portuguese Cup during his time at the club.
Gyokeres joined Sporting in a £20m move from Coventry in 2023, where he had scored 43 goals in two-and-a-half seasons.
Gyokeres – who scored 54 goals last season – has agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates
Having previously struggled to break into the first team at Brighton, Gyokeres has previously spoken of his desire to return to the English top flight, to get revenge for his empty spell with the Seagulls.
‘It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe,’ Gyokeres said. ‘I spent several years there without being able to play a single match.
‘So, of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge.’
Gyokeres would end Arsenal’s long search for a high-quality centre forward, providing Arteta’s squad with a boost as they aim to secure a first Premier League title in 22 years.
