Arsenal are thought to be falling at the final hurdle in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres after going three days without communication with the Portuguese side, according to reports.
The north London club have been previously dogged in their desire to tempt the Sweden international to the Emirates in a bid to sharpen their attacking ranks.
Gyokeres is thought to have agreed pre-contract terms with the club and is himself keen on a move to the Premier League.
But Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that negotiations had stalled over a sticking point regarding the star’s asking price.
Gyokeres believes that he has an honour agreement that allows him to leave the club for a fee of €60million, plus another €10m (£51.7m plus £8.6m).
However, despite Arsenal reportedly offering to pay €65m, plus a further €15m (£56m plus £12.9m), but the Portuguese club are now believed to be standing firm on a fixed €70m (£60.4m).
After talks came to a halt over the issue this weekend, as per Portuguese outlet A Bola, it has now been some time since the two parties have discussed the transfer.
Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as Arsenal’s No1 striker target in recent weeks
But Mikel Arteta could have some trouble securing the Sweden international due to a difference of opinions over his fees
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta flew to Lisbon at the end of last weekend for talks
The pause in proceedings could yet mean the worst for Mikel Arteta’s side and for Gyokeres, who is reportedly so keen on a move to Arsenal that he is mulling not returning to pre-season training with the club in Alcochete on Friday.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta led the Arsenal delegation that flew to the Iberian peninsula for talks with the Primeira Liga side, alongside Gyokeres’ agent Kenan Mert.
A Bola alleges that Mert has claimed that former sporting director Hugo Viana – who is now at Premier League rivals Manchester City – offered the player a guarantee that he would be able to leave Sporting during this summer’s window.
The impasse could be concerning for the Gunners, with the deal looking increasingly challenging to get over the line.
The former Coventry City and Brighton striker currently has three years still remaining on his contract with the Portuguese giants, though it appears unlikely in the extreme that he will be seeing out those terms as things stand.
The Swedish international scored a staggering 54 goals for the Portuguese giants last term across all competitions.
The Gunners have already signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m, and reportedly completed a £12m move for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
They are also poised to make an offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, and have been linked with Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze.
