Mikel Arteta Explains the Key Factors Behind the Delay in Finalizing Viktor Gyökeres’ Transfer Deal and How Negotiations Are Progressing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has recently shed light on the ongoing delays surrounding the club’s pursuit of striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The transfer, which had been anticipated to complete swiftly, has faced unexpected hurdles. Arteta’s comments provide valuable insight into the complex nature of football transfers, highlighting the factors that have contributed to the delay and how the club is working to resolve them.
The primary issue delaying the deal centers around disagreements over the payment structure between Arsenal and Sporting CP. Although both clubs have reportedly agreed on a base transfer fee, the details of the additional €10 million in performance-related add-ons have caused a stalemate. Sporting CP proposed splitting this add-on into four milestones of €2.5 million each, contingent on Gyökeres’ appearances and Arsenal qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal, however, wants to make part of these conditions more difficult to achieve, aiming to reduce the overall risk of the additional payments. This difference in expectations has slowed negotiations significantly.
Another critical factor was Arsenal’s failure to meet an internally set deadline to finalize the transfer before the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. This deadline was strategically chosen to ensure the new signing could integrate into the team ahead of the upcoming season. Missing this timeline has been a setback for Arteta’s plans, as the club’s attacking options remain incomplete. The delay has also invited increased scrutiny and speculation in the media about whether the deal might collapse or if other clubs could intervene.
Sporting CP has also set firm financial expectations, insisting that the majority of the transfer fee be paid within two years. This condition puts Arsenal under pressure to reach an agreement quickly, or else risk losing the player to other interested parties who might be willing to meet these terms. It has complicated Arsenal’s negotiations as they balance financial prudence with the urgency of securing a striker who can strengthen their squad.
Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Arsenal reportedly agreed on a total package worth around €73.5 million (£63.5 million upfront plus €10 million in add-ons). Notably, Sporting CP has waived a 10% agent fee, effectively reducing Arsenal’s fixed costs and showing goodwill to facilitate the deal. Meanwhile, Gyökeres himself has already agreed on personal terms with Arsenal for a five-year contract and is expected to undergo a medical examination soon, indicating that the club and player are aligned.
Mikel Arteta remains optimistic and stresses the importance of clear and open communication within the club during this process. He emphasized that any disagreements should not be seen as a lack of clarity or organization. “If disagreements happen, it means we cannot explain ourselves well enough and are not clear enough on what we want,” Arteta said. “But I guarantee you, that hasn’t happened. Our communication with the recruitment team has been excellent, and we are pushing to get this deal done.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal is eager to integrate Gyökeres into their squad as soon as possible to boost their attacking options. With upcoming Premier League matches against Manchester United and Leeds United, the club hopes the striker will be ready to make an impact early in the season.
In conclusion, while the Viktor Gyökeres transfer has been delayed due to complex negotiations over payment terms and deadlines, Arsenal’s management remains confident. They continue to work closely with Sporting CP to finalize the deal and bring the promising striker to North London, aiming to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.