Arsenal hit a snag with Viktor Gyokeres chase

Arsenal are well-known and open about their pursuit of a new striker next season and have not hidden their interest in Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres; however, the move may face a setback due to the player’s internal issues with his club.

The Gunners have long been linked with moves for RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres throughout the summer transfer window, but the north London club appears to have settled on the Swedish frontman.

The Swedish international, who has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Premier League club for a summer move, still has some issues to resolve before making the transfer happen.

Portuguese reports indicate no progress in negotiations since the weekend, with the clubs now deadlocked over the transfer valuation.

Gyokeres has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Sporting this summer, having agreed to a transfer fee of €60 million plus an additional €10 million (£51.7m plus £8.6m), though Sporting appears to hold a different stance, according to sporting director Frederico Varanda.

Arsenal have reportedly proposed a €65 million fee plus an additional €15 million (£56m plus £12.9m), but Sporting are now said to be holding firm on a fixed €70 million (£60.4m) fee.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal representatives, unable to finalize the deal, have returned to London from Lisbon after negotiations with Sporting stalled.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to abandon negotiations entirely unless Sporting potentially reverse their stance, ready to move on following a second unsuccessful round of talks.

In his determination to join Arsenal, Gyokeres has reportedly offered to forgo up to €2 million (£1.7m) of his future salary with the Gunners to facilitate a resolution for Sporting.

The 27-year-old bagged a staggering 54 goals for Portuguese giants last term across all competitions – only Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe scored more(62) across Europe.

Meanwhile, the former Coventry City and Brighton striker, with three years left on his contract with Sporting, appears highly unlikely to see out his current deal given the ongoing developments.