'Collapse risk' claims, £69m demand, Arteta stance

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The Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer saga continues to take multiple twists and turns with Sporting CP proving to be harsh negotiators.

It looked as though the Gunners had found a resolution with the Portuguese champions one week ago when an agreement in principle worth £63.7million (€73.5m) was struck. However, talks over the add-ons structure has resulted in minimal progress being made towards a final agreement.

That has resulted in Mikel Arteta not having the Swede as part of his squad for the pre-season tour of Asia but the hope is a breakthrough can be found this weekend. However, there now appears to be real concern the switch will not go through.

With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Gyokeres updates and rumours as his transfer to Arsenal seemingly hangs in the balance.

Transfer 'collapse' claims

In Portugal, A Bola are claiming that the Gyokeres transfer is at risk of collapsing with the players' father so worried about the switch falling through, he has been brought to tears in recent days.

Swedish outlet Maisfutebol have not quite gone as far as claiming that the deal could no longer be on but their latest updates suggests it may be heading that way. They have stated that as talks continue with minimal progress, pessimism has taken over some involved in the deal.

£69m demand

The reason for what is potentially holding up the Gyokeres transfer is unsurprisingly financial. Alongside wanting the £8.4million (€10m) add-ons to be easily gettable, A Bola are actually claiming Sporting now want £69million (€80m) to sell.

Arsenal do not look as though they plan to hit that figure with 'no signs of life' shown in the last six days. It has since been stated 'the possibility of never reaching the amount is seriously looming'.

Arteta stance and new deadline

While there is so much noise elsewhere, Arsenal and Arteta look to be remaining calm that Gyokeres will be playing his football at Emirates Stadium this season.

Following on from the Gunners confirming their 30-man pre-season tour squad that did not include Gyokeres, football.london's Arsenal writer Tom Canton provided an update.

"Arsenal had hoped to have their new striker, currently Viktor Gyokeres, on the flight to Asia," he wrote on X. "Mikel Arteta was very keen to have his new player on the plane. Talks continue at a very advanced stage and the player is able to join up late (same for Mosquera) once all completed.

"I say currently because of course the deal remains incomplete but important to stress with talks with Sporting CP at such an advanced stage, the club remain calm. The hope will be the Swede could play some part before the team return for London matches vs Villarreal & Athletic."

The final friendly before those two is a North London Derby against Tottenham on Thursday, July 31.

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