Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Sporting CP for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old, who scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, had been identified as the club's top target with Andrea Berta stepping up negotiations in recent weeks. On Sunday, Sporting confirmed that an agreement with the Gunners had been reached, with the north Londoners agreeing to pay £54.8million (€63.5million) guaranteed plus £8.6million (€10million) in add-ons, as per The Athletic. It's been reported that Gyokeres' agent has waived his fee to help facilitate the deal.
football.london reported on Sunday that talks between Arsenal and Sporting resumed over the weekend with communication between the two parties having improved. The Gunners were always optimistic that an agreement would be reached and Gyokeres will likely fly to London early next week to complete a medical.
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Gyokeres has not turned up to pre-season training at Sporting in a bid to force through a move. The Sweden international has made it clear throughout the summer that Arsenal is his preferred destination, despite interest from Manchester United, and has agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard this summer, while Noni Madueke is expected to become their fourth arrival in a £52million deal from Chelsea. Sporting president Frederico Varandas had previously refused to let go Gyokeres leave if Arsenal did not match his valuation of the player, with the Sporting chief insisting he would not be pressured into a sale.
Speaking in an interview with Agencia Lusa (via Record) on Sunday morning, Varandas addressed the current situation and a potential move for Gyokeres. "We're calm. Everything will be resolved when the window closes, a hefty fine and an apology to the group," he said.
"If they [clubs] don't want to pay the fair market price for Viktor Gyokeres, we will be very comfortable with that for the next three years.
"If someone puts pressure on me to facilitate a departure, they are also making the player's exit even more complicated. Nobody is above the club. Whoever they are."
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