Viktor Gyokeres’ father was reportedly reduced to tears upon hearing that his son’s move from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal may collapse at the final hurdle.
Mail Sport understands that the clubs are close to agreeing a deal worth an initial £55million, with a further £7.4m in add-ons, while Gyokeres has agreed a five-year contract.
Arsenal had hoped to seal the deal before they flew out to their pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday, but the two sides remain at odds over bonus payments and the schedule of instalments, with Sporting pushing for more of the fee up front.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal’s latest bid has been left unanswered for six days, as Sporting refuse to budge on their stance.
Amid fears that Gyokeres’ dream move may be slipping away, his family are reportedly devastated, believing he deserves a better send-off for his service to the club.
The report added that Gyokeres has even distanced himself from the idea of a move to north London. Arsenal feel they have gone as far as possible with their offer and are reluctant to meet Sporting’s strict terms on bonuses.
But the Portuguese side insists that any variable payments must be realistically achievable, fearing Arsenal’s deal relies too heavily on future add-ons.
During their tour of Asia, Arsenal are set to face AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, then north London rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong.
If the club get a deal for Gyokeres over the line, the striker would likely have to wait until August 6 when the Gunners host Villarreal in their first pre-season game back from Asia.
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
