Contrary to the most optimistic expectations, talks between Viktor Gyökeres and Arsenal over a transfer have made no progress in the past few hours.
In fact, the information emerging so far is highly contradictory. Although the gap between the two sides' offers and demands is minimal—Arsenal have offered 65 million euros + 5 million euros + 10 million euros, while Sporting CP are holding out for a fixed 70 million euros—no settlement or compromise has been reached since Sunday, putting yesterday's potential deal in jeopardy. As of the time of writing, there are no signs of a willingness to compromise; in fact, neither side backed down at all throughout Tuesday.
Arsenal representatives held direct talks with Frederico Varandas in Lisbon over the weekend, putting forward a revised offer to Varandas, but failed to seal the deal and returned to London.
They are frustrated by another dispute in this tug-of-war, and unless substantial changes occur in the meantime, they are strongly inclined to abandon the deal.
Notably, the Gunners left Portugal without fully finalizing the transaction, and after failing in their second attempt to sign the Swedish player, they are determined to walk away from Gyökeres.
The next few hours will be decisive, with both sides adopting a hardline stance: either there will be green smoke (meaning a deal is done), or it will be all-out war. The player is set to speak publicly about the controversy and reveal Hugo Viana's comments regarding the promise of 60 million euros + 10 million euros.
