Arsenal 'face major Viktor Gyokeres transfer blow' after worrying Sporting update

Arsenal could miss out on signing dream targetViktor Gyokeres if the latest reports are to be believed. Negotiations with Sporting Clube de Portugal have reportedly stalled due to differences in overall valuation and contract terms.

On Tuesday, football.london reported details of a meeting in Lisbon between sporting director Andrea Berta and representatives from Sporting.

The difference between Gyokeres' valuation and Arsenal's offer is believed to be around €5m (£4m). An offer of €65m (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons was reportedly put forward during the meeting, but Sporting are said to have held firm.

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The Lions are looking for €70m (£60m) guaranteed with no add-ons. Fast forward a day, and there’s a new update on the negotiations. With both parties still apart in their valuations, talks have 'temporarily paused,' according to The Independent.

The Mirror claim reports in Portugal suggest Arsenal are willing to walk away from negotiations. It's said that Gyokeres and his representatives are 'fearing the worst'.

However, there is said to already be a backup plan to arrange a loan or transfer to another European club. Gyokeres is reportedly 'determined not to report for pre-season training on Friday, July 11'.

Elsewhere, The Sun have reported that Fenerbahce and Juventus are among the clubs monitoring the situation.

Although Gyokeres has not publicly spoken about the transfer situation, he has allegedly told the Portuguese club that he will never play for them again in an effort to force the deal through.

This anger arises from the belief that the Portuguese champions have broken a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to let him leave this summer for around £60m, despite his contract running until 2028.

However, club officials deny this and insist they intend to keep their prized asset.

Reports in Portugal have also revealed that Gyokeres reached a personal agreement with Arsenal on May 13 for a five-year contract, but the transfer to the Emirates is now at risk of collapsing.