The Gunners had appeared to be making real progress over the weekend, having identified the Swedish striker as their top attacking target. ..Continue Reading
Their pursuit of Benjamin Šeško was dropped due to RB Leipzig’s €90 million valuation and the player’s high wage demands.
Sporting director Andrea Berta had been leading the discussions and was close to fulfilling Mikel Arteta’s wish of signing a new centre-forward before the club’s pre-season tour.
However, according to Record, negotiations broke down after Sporting insisted on a guaranteed €70 million upfront.
Arsenal had proposed a package of €65 million plus €5 million, with an additional €10 million in performance-related bonuses.
With Sporting refusing to budge, Gyökeres—who is determined to join Arsenal—has agreed to forfeit €2 million in wages to help facilitate the move.
Despite his efforts, the gap in valuation has led Arsenal’s representatives to leave Lisbon and return to London, signaling that talks have stalled for now.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has reiterated the club’s firm stance on the striker’s price tag, and so far, they’ve shown no signs of softening.
Meanwhile, rival outlet A Bola has taken a more hopeful tone, suggesting that a deal could still be reached, with the only obstacle being the structure of the payments.
Sporting are holding out for a total of €80 million—ideally structured as €70 million upfront and €10 million in add-ons—which Arsenal are reportedly considering.
That leaves the two sides just €5 million apart, and Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer before the weekend.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have already completed the signings of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
Christian Nørgaard’s £12 million move from Brentford is also set to be finalized this week, providing experienced cover in midfield following the exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Arteta and Berta are now expected to shift focus toward contract renewals and further attacking reinforcements.
Talks are progressing with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri over new long-term deals, while securing William Saliba’s future remains a top priority for the club.
