The Swedish superstar has been linked with either Manchester United or Arsenal all summer, but no official deal has been made.
Viktor Gyökeres‘ potential move to Arsenal has taken another dramatic turn as the saga continues to drag on.
Read: €80 million plus bonuses was all it took for Liverpool
Gyökeres (27) has been heavily linked with Arsenal all summer, having impressed with 54 goals in 52 games when Sporting CP won the double in Portugal last year.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Arsenal were in the process of finalizing a deal for the Swedish attacker.
A deal in principle is reportedly in place, worth £54.8 million plus £8.6 million in potential bonuses. The striker’s agent has even given up his own share in order to close the deal.
Reports suggested that Sporting president Frederico Varandas has delayed the transfer by refusing to accept what Gyökeres believes was an agreement that he could leave the club for €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses. But no official announcement has yet been made.
On Saturday, ESPN reported that Arsenal have now gone on their pre-season trip to Asia, while negotiations on the deal continue.
Sources have told the media that the Gunners hoped to have both new signing Noni Madueke and Gyökeres in the squad for the games against AC Milan, Newcastle and Spurs.
Other new players such as Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard were part of the 30-man squad for the Asia tour.
Meanwhile, Swedish Maisfutebol claims that a lack of confidence in the deal caused Gyökeres’ father to burst into tears on Friday, as he no longer believes the transfer will go through.
The delay is reportedly due to disagreements over several parts of the agreement – including payment structure, bonuses, training compensation and solidarity contributions, according to the Mail.
Earlier this month, Gyökeres told French newspaper L’Équipe about his previous stints in England with Coventry and Brighton:
“It’s one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without playing a single game. So of course it’s something I’d like to experience. That would be a wonderful revenge.”
He added: “It’s football, you never know. I don’t think about it, we’ll see what happens. If something is going to happen, it happens. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me.”
“I’m definitely among the [best strikers in the world]. It’s hard to rate myself, but yes, I’m on the same level as them now. What I managed at Sporting, I’m convinced I can do anywhere. You haven’t seen the best of Gyökeres yet.”
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