Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest - 'key day' set in Sporting CP strike as stance clear

Viktor Gyokeres is right at the top of Arsenal's summer transfer shortlist. The 27-year-old scored 54 times and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting CP last season and the Gunners have made him their main target for the No.9 position, as Mikel Arteta tries to strengthen his front line.

However,a deal for Gyokeres has become complicated. The Sweden international has made it clear throughout the summer that Arsenal is his preferred destination, despite interest from Manchester United.

But Sporting are prepared to play hardball and are demanding a sizeable fixed fee, despite Gyokeres and his representatives insisting that there is a gentleman's agreement in place. Hasan Cetinkaya, his agent, believes that Gyokeres can leave Sporting for £59m, after he rejected transfer interest last summer.

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So far, no agreement has been reached between Sporting and Arsenal and the saga continues to rumble on. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest involving Gyokeres...

'Key day' in Gyokeres deal

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saturday is a 'key day' in the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga.

Sporting have told Gyokeres, 27, that he must return to training today, after missing the start of pre-season, having made his position clear to the club throughout the summer. He has told the Portuguese club that he wants to leave and make the big-money move to Arsenal.

However, there is a gap in valuation right now with Sporting informing Arsenal that they want £60.6million as a fixed fee plus additional add-ons. The Gunners and Gyokeres have agreed personal terms on a five-year deal and all parties are said to want a 'quick resolution'.

Sporting plan

Reports in The Mirror this week claim Sporting have decided to 'pause talks' with Arsenal over a deal for Gyokeres.

The article has suggested that Sporting have made that call as an agreement over their transfer fee for the striker has still not been reached. Arsenal are mentioned in the report as 'staying calm' that a deal to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium will still be a possibility.

Arsenal stance

It's understood that, despite the complications, Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal to snap-up Gyokeres - this summer - as negotiations with Sporting continue.

The Portuguese club are said to be holding out for a total package worth around £70million, including an initial fee of €70million (£60million) with €10million (£8.6million) in add-ons.

The Gunners are thought to be only willing to offer an initial fee worth £56million plus a further £12.9million in add-ons based on performances and the like.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta made the trip to Lisbon to hold talks over a deal.