Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has forgo €2 million of his salary to hasten a move to Arsenal, as the Gunners edge closer to finalising a deal for the prolific Swede.
According to Record, Gyokeres, who has refused to report for pre-season with Sporting, is determined to secure a switch to North London.
This comes after Arsenal backed away from a deal for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko due to inflated demands.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting have dragged on for months, primarily due to the Portuguese club’s insistence on an €80 million release clause.
However, Gyokeres’ willingness to sacrifice part of his earnings has reportedly eased the deadlock, with both parties now on the verge of reaching an agreement.
Since arriving from Coventry City, Gyokeres has delivered 68 goals and 17 assists in just 66 league appearances for Sporting.
This includes six goals in eight Champions League outings, marking him as one of Europe’s most potent centre-forwards.
If the deal is completed, Gyokeres will join Arsenal’s pre-season squad, linking up with fellow new arrivals Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
He is expected to feature in Arsenal’s Asia tour against AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Notably, Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixture is against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Gyokeres could face off against former coach Ruben Amorim.
