Arsenal Transfer Update: Viktor Gyokeres Deal Hits Delay Over Add-On Dispute with Sporting Lisbon
Story Writtenn By Okafor joseph july 16,2025
Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly hit a stumbling block, with negotiations becoming tense due to disagreements over performance-based add-ons in the proposed transfer deal.
The Gunners have reached a verbal agreement in principle to sign the Swedish international for £55.1 million, following his remarkable scoring record in Portugal. Gyokeres has netted 97 goals in 102 appearances since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, making him one of Europe’s most prolific forwards over the past two seasons.
Dispute Arises Over Add-On Terms
While the base fee for the transfer is largely settled, the two clubs are at odds over £8.7 million (€10 million) in potential add-ons, which Arsenal have proposed as part of the deal. According to Football London, Sporting are pushing back, questioning the structure and conditions of the bonus payments.
The Portuguese club reportedly believes the performance-related clauses attached to the add-ons are unlikely to be triggered and are therefore refusing to approve the deal in its current form.
Despite the dispute, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified that the deal is still active and not in danger of collapsing. However, he confirmed that the ongoing disagreement has made talks increasingly tense, with both sides refusing to back down.
Gyokeres Determined to Leave Sporting This Summer
Viktor Gyokeres has already informed Sporting Lisbon of his desire to leave and has opted not to report for pre-season training, reinforcing his intention to secure a move this summer. While Arsenal remain the frontrunners, the ongoing impasse over financial terms is delaying the transfer’s finalization.
Race Against Time Ahead of Arsenal’s Pre-Season Tour
Manager Mikel Arteta is preparing to lead Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Asia, departing on July 19, with fixtures including a high-profile friendly against AC Milan in Singapore on July 23.
With new signings Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera already confirmed for the trip, Arsenal are keen to finalize the Gyokeres deal in time for him to join the tour and begin adapting to his new environment before the Premier League season kicks off on August 17 against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Unless a swift resolution is reached, Gyokeres may be forced to delay his integration into the Arsenal squad, putting pressure on the club to settle terms with Sporting Lisbon in the coming days.
