Viktor Gyokeres' transfer to Arsenal has yet to be confirmed with the proposed move continuing to drag on, and there's now been an update on the Swede's likely replacement at Sporting CP
Arsenal's efforts to clinch the signing of Viktor Gyokeres could be dealt a potential blow following the latest update on the Sporting CP striker's possible replacement. The Swede has long been closing in on a move to the Gunners with Mikel Arteta's side locked in negotiations to sign the 27-year-old.
The north London side were thought to have been nearing an agreement worth £54.8million plus a further £8.6m in add-ons. But the delay of the transfer has been attributed to issues over the structure of the bonuses included in the deal.
While Gyokeres has opted against joining Sporting for their pre-season tour, the club were back in the swing of things on Monday as they beat Sunderland 1-0 in Portugal.
Following the game, Sporting right-back, Ivan Fresneda, offered up an icy response to the media when asked how his team-mates are coping with the saga of their top scorer.
The Spaniard – hinting at the upset it has caused in the camp – coolly told O Jogo: "You won't like the answer, but it's not my responsibility."
There was renewed optimism about the saga finally coming to an end, though, after it emerged that the Portuguese champions had earmarked a replacement for the goal-hungry Gyokeres.
Almeria striker Luis Javier Suarez – who previously played for Watford – is said to be the man Sporting have their eye on.
While that news may have been a positive update for Arsenal fans, a statement from the Spanish side's sporting director, Joao Goncalves, suggested that Gyokeres' transfer could continue to drag on.
Speaking to CNN Portugal, Goncalves said: "Luis has had his best season, he’s in the best moment of his career – 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve. We haven’t had any official contact with Sporting to date.
"We haven’t received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we’re moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We’re managing our timing. He has a €40million (£34.6m) release clause.
"To paraphrase Frederico Varandas [Sporting CP president] – we’re not asking for the value of the clause, but we’re going to defend our interests."
Outside of the Gunners' chase for Gyokeres, they've enjoyed a fruitful summer, signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.
Despite their activity in the transfer market, Arteta revealed he's not yet satisfied with his squad size, admitting the club are still hoping to make more signings. He said: "There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still.
"In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have – and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."