Gyokeres remains the Gunners’ top striker target this summer, and negotiations appeared to be moving smoothly, with personal terms settled quickly and a £54.8 million base fee agreed between both clubs. ..Continue Reading
However, disagreements have emerged over the structure of the £8.6 million in performance-based bonuses.
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas is pushing for nearly guaranteed add-ons, while Arsenal prefer more conditional incentives, leading to a standoff.
Amid the impasse, reports suggested Manchester United were trying to capitalize and make a late move for Gyokeres, who previously played under manager Ruben Amorim.
According to A Bola, Gyokeres has rejected United’s approach and remains committed to joining Arsenal—a development that delighted defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who praised the striker’s record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting.
Arsenal faced Gyokeres and Sporting in last season’s Champions League, successfully keeping him off the scoresheet during a dominant 5–1 win at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
“For sure, when we played against him, it was a big challenge for us,” Gabriel said in new interview with The Athletic.
“What we know now is that he’s a great player, who definitely had a great season last year.”
Mikel Arteta was reportedly eager for Gyokeres to be part of Arsenal’s squad flying to Asia for pre-season, but the transfer wasn’t finalized in time.
However, Simon Stone of the BBC suggests Manchester United may not be seriously attempting to hijack the move, noting there’s a “strong sense” they’re simply being used as leverage in a broader negotiation strategy.
According to Sport Witness, Sporting CP’s preferred bonus structure includes €2.5 million after Gyokeres reaches 20 appearances, another €2.5 million after 40 games, and an additional €2.5 million if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League four years in a row.
A final €2.5 million would be triggered if the striker hits 20 appearances during the 2026/27 season.
Arsenal, however, are pushing for some of these performance clauses to be more difficult to achieve, which has caused the delay in reaching a full agreement.
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