Arsenal face another embarrassing transfer U-turn as Gyokeres concerns emerge
Arsenal face having to tuck their tail between the legs and returning to RB Leipzig over a deal for Benjamin Sesko - after reaching an impasse with Sporting CP in negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres. Gunners transfer chiefs are said to have left Lisbon with the clubs far apart in their valuations.
Gyokeres' pre-season return was delayed by the Portuguese champions in anticipation of getting a deal over the line, while also managing the Sweden international's threat to go on strike. But Arsenal are now believed to be willing to walk away from the deal.
And Gyokeres and his representatives are now fearing the worst over the prospects of a transfer. Arsenal have long wanted a new striker with it being a priority to add a goalscorer this summer, seeing the club turn their attention elsewhere.
The stalling of negotiations in Portugal will see the north London side reignite their interest in Sesko. Arsenal had initially advanced deals with both Sesko and Gyokeres, with the former even said to be their preferred target.
Arsenal saw a number of stumbling blocks attempting to sign the RB Leipzig striker, which saw them focus their attention on Sweden international Gyokeres. But such are the finances to sign the latter, who has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, the Gunners are set to return for Sesko.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have initially moved on from Sesko after Leipzig would not relent on their €80m (£68.96m) asking price. Arteta's side were €10m (£8.62m) short in their offer, with the structure of the deal also proving problematic.
And an agreement with Sesko was also not straightforward. Personal terms proved to be problematic with the combination of affairs forcing Arsenal to abandon talks.
Sesko's agent Elvis Basanovic has previously dismissed the impact of speculation that Arsenal have been interested in moves for both forwards. 'Let me tell you: Sesko is not competing with anyone," he said.
"It's him vs him every day. We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn't affect us. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker."
Arteta wants to see a striker added to his squad before Arsenal fly to Singapore for a pre-season tour of Asia on July 19. The Gunners have already confirmed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi this summer as the club attempt to go better in the Premier League.
Gyokeres meanwhile, appears to have a back-up plan of his own. The ex-Coventry striker is said to remain adamant he will not play for Sporting again and will look to agree a loan deal to a European club.
Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce side are reported to be among the teams keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are also monitoring Gyokeres' prospects as they look to add a striker.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Conor Coady to Rangers transfer hits further roadblock as another 'collapsed' deal puts Frank Lampard on notice
The veteran defender is on the Ibrox side's radar and impressed his new boss as captain in a pre-season win New Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes says he "liked what he saw" from Conor Coady in their 1-0 win over Zalaegerzegi on Saturday – a potential hint a move to Rangers could be delayed even further. The defender has been a target at Ibrox all summer and we understand both Rangers and Coady are keen to make it happen in time for Thursday's clash with Panathinaikos. Russell Martin has already named his squad for that Champions League qualifying first leg but there is wiggle room to register two new players 24 hours ahead of it if any new signings are in the door by then. But it looks as if new Foxes boss Cifuentes may be taking his time to have a look at Coady. And that's not exactly what Martin will want to hear. Cifuentes said after the friendly: 'There are a lot of positive things we can bring with us. There are a lot of things to improve, which is normal at this stage. 'I like the intention, the attitude, and the application of the team. I like that we wanted to be from day one, a team that is dominant and wants to use possession to attack. The timing of the movement and the rotations, everything will come. 'I like, as well, to see the young boys. I'm very happy with what I see from Jeremy, from Louis, from Evans, from all the young guys. 'And, as well, the application of the experienced players. I liked what I saw from Conor, from Jannik. It's an interesting mix.' Elsewhere the Jamie Vardy ship may have come and gone but he is taking his time over his next move – and a report hints that could open the door to Rangers should they decide to revisit their interest. The Premier League legend is a free agent this summer and the Ibrox side certainly haven't shut down chatter they could be in for the 38-year-old on a short-term deal. Even despite Leicester's noted struggles last term, Vardy hit double figures in the English top flight and he might fancy one last stab at European football before he hangs up his boots. The Mail on Sunday report that he has been 'uncharacteristically slow' to decide on his future and indicate he is considering a few options over his future. Whether one of them is Ibrox is unclear but they do note Rangers are a "massive global name" – the likes of which Vardy has never notched on his CV so far. And it's added that prestige could well lead to Vardy choosing them over the likes of Championship new boys Wrexham, who are chasing an unprecedented fourth straight promotion. Elsewhere Carl Rushworth likely won't be joining Rangers after Brighton decided against loaning the keeper to Ibrox – and Coventry could be set to take advantage. The keeper, who was Russell Martin's No.1 at Swansea, was Brighton's second choice for much of last season but is still yet to make his senior debut for the Seagulls. Reports earlier this summer indicated Rangers were keen on bringing him in to compete with Jack Butland and Liam Kelly. But more recently it's been claimed that deal is off with Rangers instead looking at Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles. Frank Lampard's Coventry may be the side to pounce on Rushworth though and former Aston Villa defender Lee Hendrie told Football League World: "You look at any player or any goalkeeper really that's played or been around the top level, then I think it's a big coup for any football club to bring in someone whose Premier League bound, and particularly being linked with Rangers, which looks like it's collapsed. 'I think Frank (Lampard) will be looking at that and knowing it's a really good signing. "I think that's an area they haven't really struggled with goalkeeper-wise, but having someone of his calibre would be a really good addition to Coventry City.' You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Auston Trusty reflects on his 'special' Celtic honour
The central defender was handed the armband in the second 45 after usual skipper Callum McGregor was withdrawn. Trusty didn't start in his side's 2-0 win over the Portuguese champions, yet returned to the lineup when Newcastle United visited Parkhead on Saturday. The 26-year-old played until the 62nd minute, when he was replaced by Liam Scales. Read more: Trusty was named man of the match for his performance in the 4-0 rout. Taking to X after the match, the defender wrote: "Two wins, two clean sheets, and a man of the match performance! "A great way to close out the week against two strong opponents. As always, incredible support at home today and a special honour wearing the captain armband in Lisbon for Celtic." Two wins, two clean sheets, & a MOTM performance! A great way to close out the week against two strong opponents. As always, incredible support at home today & a special honour wearing the captain armband in Lisbon for #CelticFC 🍀 — Auston Trusty (@Auston_Trusty) July 19, 2025 Trusty joined Celtic from Sheffield United last summer in a deal reported to be worth £6 million. He made 37 appearances across all competitions during his first year at the club, despite losing his place in the team to Scales towards the end of the campaign. Having started pre-season in fine fettle, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for the United States international in 2025/26.
Evening Standard
an hour ago
- Evening Standard
Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal FC take big step towards transfer as Sporting issued warning over £34.6m replacement
This meant Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not granted his wish to have Gyokeres signed in time for Saturday's departure for their pre-season tour of Asia, along with new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
