Arsenal fails to meet Mikel Arteta’s deadline for signing player

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·20 July 2025

Arsenal fails to meet Mikel Arteta’s deadline for signing player

Arsenal accelerated negotiations to sign Viktor Gyökeres at the start of the week, and for a brief period, it appeared that the transfer would be finalised swiftly. The striker has emerged as the Gunners’ primary transfer target for the summer window, and he has made no secret of his desire to make the move to the Emirates.

Gyökeres has reportedly turned down interest from other clubs, making it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination. This should, in theory, have paved the way for a smooth agreement between the clubs. However, that has not been the case, as Sporting Club have taken a firm stance in negotiations.

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Sporting Reluctant to Compromise

Sporting are said to be refusing to sell the Swedish forward at a discounted fee. According to reports, the Portuguese side have not been swayed by financial incentives offered to expedite the transfer. Even modest increases in the offer have not proven sufficient, with the club determined to receive full value for the player.

Both Arsenal and Gyökeres are believed to have made concessions in an effort to facilitate the move. Despite these efforts, tangible progress has yet to be achieved. The prolonged negotiations have now reached a standstill, raising concerns within the Arsenal camp about the viability of the transfer.

Gyokeres (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Arteta’s Deadline Missed

As cited by the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta had hoped to have Gyökeres included in the travelling squad for the upcoming weekend. The report claims that Arteta had set this weekend as an informal deadline for the club’s negotiators to finalise the striker’s signing. However, that target has not been met.

This delay is seen as a significant setback for Arsenal, especially as they aim to integrate new signings during pre-season. The lack of early involvement could impact Gyökeres’ readiness and fitness levels, potentially delaying his full adaptation to the squad.

Should Arsenal fail to complete the deal soon, it risks disrupting both pre-season preparations and the club’s broader transfer strategy.

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