By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has turned up the heat on his potential transfer to Arsenal, reportedly moving out of his Lisbon home as negotiations between the Gunners and Sporting CP hit a snag.
The 27 year old’s bold actions, including skipping Sporting’s pre-season training, signal his determination to join the Premier League side, but the deal remains stalled over payment disputes.
Arsenal have been locked in talks with Sporting CP, offering €63.5 million upfront and an additional €10 million in add-ons for the in-demand forward.
Sporting are holding out for a €7.5 million initial add-on payment, while Arsenal’s proposal includes €5 million plus another €5 million in bonuses, leaving a €2.5 million gap between the clubs.
With Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and Sporting’s Bernardo Palmeiro working to bridge the divide, the Gunners are racing against time to finalize the transfer before their pre-season tour of Asia kicks off on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to have Gyokeres in the squad as they gear up for the new season.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has taken matters into his own hands. The Sweden international has refused to report to Sporting’s training camp, effectively going on strike to push for the move. On Thursday, images of a removal van outside his Lisbon home was captured, with reports indicating that a friend from Sweden was overseeing the removal of his belongings. Gyokeres is currently in Stockholm, further signaling his intent to leave.
The striker’s actions have sparked controversy in Portugal. Bernardo Ribeiro, director of the Portuguese outlet Record, didn’t hold back, calling Gyokeres “a bad professional” for his refusal to train. “Throwing a tantrum by not showing up when he has a contract and is paid on time,” Ribeiro said.
As the transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal fans are buzzing with anticipation, hoping their club can close the deal and bring Gyokeres’ goal-scoring prowess to the Emirates. For now, all eyes are on the negotiations, and Gyokeres’ next move, as the clock ticks down.
