Arsenal could force Sporting Lisbon to sell Viktor Gyökeres if they make a bid of €60 million or more.
The reason for this, as explained by A Bola, is that a clause in Gyökeres’ contract comes into force from today. It stipulates that Sporting must pay a fine of €6 million if they reject offers of €60 million or higher.
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That €6 million will go to Gyökeres’ agent, Hakan Çetinkaya, which means Arsenal could put pressure on Sporting to finally sell their star player.
Gyökeres to Arsenal?
Arsenal have made Gyökeres their first goal as a striker this summer, but have been frustrated by Sporting’s high demands for a transfer fee.
A public dispute has erupted between the player’s representatives and the club regarding the award.
Gyökeres’ agents claim that Sporting broke a promise to sell him for around €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses, while Sporting deny that any such promise was ever made.
Duncan Castles recently revealed on The Transfers Podcast that Gyökeres is very unhappy that Sporting are not keeping their promise to sell him this summer for the aforementioned sum.
Castles added that there is a clause in the contract that states that Sporting must pay Gyökeres a fine of €6 million if they reject offers over €60 million.
A Bola reports this Tuesday that this clause was activated as of July 1.
Castles also mentioned that Gyökeres is threatening to go on strike if Sporting refuse to sell him – something that has now also been confirmed by A Bola and Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal in strong negotiating position
Thus, Arsenal are now in a good position to make a bid and test Sporting’s will, given the existence of the clause.
Due to the issues surrounding this deal, Arsenal have been working on a transfer for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško in parallel, and may instead choose to sign him.
Great interest in Gyökeres
Gyökeres is also wanted by Manchester United, Juventus, and Saudi Arabian clubs, but his preferred destination is believed to be Arsenal.
Gyökeres is currently the hottest striker on the market after an incredible season in which he scored 54 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions and helped Sporting win the league. This comes after an outstanding first season in Portugal, where he scored 43 goals across competitions.
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