Mansion Sports -  Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP has encountered another serious obstacle, putting the highly anticipated transfer in jeopardy. 

reports suggesting that the deal was close to completion, new information from the Portuguese press indicates that negotiations are now on the brink of a complete collapse.

Disagreement Over Bonus Clauses Emerges as Primary Stumbling Block

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal, Sporting CP, and the player’s representatives had initially reached a preliminary agreement on the transfer fee, amounting to €70 million (approximately £61 million or $82 million), plus an additional €10 million (around £8.7 million or $11.6 million) in performance-related bonuses.

However, the structure and criteria surrounding these bonuses have now become the central point of contention. Sporting is reportedly insisting that the bonus conditions should be easily achievable, whereas Arsenal considers several of these clauses unrealistic.

A separate report from A Bola claims that only around €3 million of the proposed bonuses are viewed by Sporting as "easily attainable," highlighting a significant disparity in expectations that threatens to derail the entire negotiation process.

Player and Agent May Resort to Public Appeal

Amid the uncertainty, Record further reveals that Gyökeres and his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, are contemplating a public statement in an attempt to revive momentum in the stalled negotiations. This potential move is driven by the Swedish striker’s strong desire to join Arsenal and take the next step in his career within the Premier League.

Arsenal and Manchester United Remain Only Serious Contenders

Although Gyökeres had previously attracted interest from several top European clubs, recent developments suggest that only Arsenal and Manchester United remain as serious suitors.

Arsenal is believed to be leading the race for the striker’s signature, despite growing doubts from analysts regarding the 27-year-old’s ability to consistently perform at Premier League standards.

Critics have questioned whether Gyökeres can match the impact of elite forwards like Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, or Erling Haaland. However, the striker has confidently countered these assessments, stating that he belongs in the same conversation as these world-class names.

Gyökeres’s Firm Stance Highlights Determination to Leave

The player’s determination to secure a move was made even clearer when he refused to report for Sporting CP’s preseason training session this past Sunday. 

This bold act signals Gyökeres’s intent to force through a transfer and highlights the urgency of his situation.

Given the increasing complexity of the negotiations, a public intervention by Gyökeres’s camp remains a likely strategy to press both parties toward a resolution. 

For Arsenal, finalizing this transfer is becoming a critical test of their ambition and effectiveness in the current transfer window, as they aim to sign a forward seen as integral to their plans for the upcoming season.