Viktor Gyokeres' father 'emotionally distraught' and losing hope of Sporting ace completing Arsenal transfer as talks continue to stall

Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal

Arsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.

WHAT HAPPENED?

As the deal continues to stall, the once-promising move to north London now appears uncertain, a development that has reportedly left Gyokeres' father in visible distress, as reported by Maisfutebol. He broke down in tears late Friday into Saturday, gripped by a belief that the transfer may not come to fruition. This reaction, described by insiders as unprecedented, marks the first time the family has been so emotionally shaken by negotiations regarding Viktor's future.

Grafica Gyokeres sporting 2026

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the emotional upheaval on the part of Gyokeres’ father, Sporting remain unsympathetic. Officials at the Portuguese club are reportedly viewing this reaction as a possible tactic designed to sway them into softening their position. Sporting president Frederico Varandas continues to stand firm, refusing to alter the club’s demands. He insists that the €10 million in potential bonuses included in the deal must be easily achievable, a non-negotiable condition for the sale to proceed.

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Sporting’s proposal for the add-ons follows a specific format: €2.5 million after Gyokeres makes 20 appearances for Arsenal, another €2.5 million after his next 20, an additional €2.5 million if the Gunners qualify for the Champions League, and a final €2.5 million for 20 appearances in the subsequent season. Arsenal’s hesitance revolves around the ease with which these triggers could be met, as they want at least one of these milestones to be more demanding.

DID YOU KNOW?

While the add-ons continue to be a point of contention, the primary transfer fee itself has already been settled. Arsenal and Sporting have reached a verbal agreement on a base fee of €63.5m (£55m/$74m). This amount was finalised after Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, opted to relinquish his 10% share as an intermediary, a move that simplified discussions over the guaranteed part of the payment. Yet without consensus on the bonus structure, the deal remains in limbo.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

As negotiations drag on, Arsenal are pressing forward with their pre-season plans. The team departed for Singapore on Saturday without Gyokeres, highlighting just how far from completion the transfer still is. The north Londoners are scheduled to face AC Milan on July 23, followed by Newcastle on July 27, and will wrap up the tour with a clash against Tottenham in Hong Kong on July 31.