Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres sees transfer clause come into play as deal close

A clause in Viktor Gyokeres' Sporting Lisbon contract, which stipulates that the star's agent will receive 10 per cent of any bid above £52million rejected, reportedly came into effect on Tuesday. This could potentially bolster Arsenal's position as they aim to secure the signature of one of Europe's most sought-after centre forwards.

According to L'Equipe, via his representatives, the Sweden international has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners. The only remaining obstacle to Gyokeres' arrival in North London is the transfer fee - an issue that could soon be resolved with the 10 per cent rejection clause now active. However, this could also further complicate matters between the player, his representatives and Sporting Lisbon, the club he wishes to leave. Sporting have been adamant for months that they will not accept anything less than their £86m release clause for their top scorer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal may now reconsider their interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, having been in talks with both strikers. It has been reported that Arsenal had a bid of around £60m turned down by Sporting last month, although the Gunners have remained silent on this matter.

Arsenal are also understood to be progressing with a deal for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, although securing a striker remains the top priority for this transfer window.

Gyokeres, who joined Sporting from Coventry City two years ago in a £17.2m deal, is under contract until summer 2028. Despite the club's insistence on meeting the release clause for any sale, Gyokeres's camp allege a gentleman's agreement with the management was made last year to allow his departure for £68m.

This claim has been vehemently denied by an irate club president Federico Varandas, leading to a heated dispute. Last season, Gyokeres netted 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions.

The agent's clause adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations. He is reportedly entitled to 10 percent of any rejected bid over £52m. However, if he chooses to take this percentage following a declined offer, it may only strengthen Sporting's determination to reject any subsequent offers that fall short of their expectations.

Manchester United have also shown interest in Gyokeres, but their focus seems to have shifted towards Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo after securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal. To fund further spending in the summer window, United need to offload several surplus players, including Marcus Rashford and Antony.

However, it is believed that Gyokeres would prefer a move to North London over a reunion with Ruben Amorim in Manchester.

A version of this article first appeared on the Mirror website