Arsenal issued with 'cooling off' period as Viktor Gyokeres transfer talks hit wall

Sporting Lisbon have imposed a "cooling off" period over talks with Arsenal on Viktor Gyokeres after reaching a stalemate with the Gunners. The Portuguese club decided to put talks on hold earlier this week after failing to reach an agreement for the Swedish striker, who is pushing hard to join Arsenal.

But Sporting are now ready to resume serious negotiations within the next 48 hours but have so far stuck to their guns over the price as they want around £70m with at least £60m up front and the rest in add-ons.

It is the latest twist in the saga but Arsenal are staying calm and deals can often take longer periods of time as it will be a difficult transfer to complete.

Arsenal made huge progress last weekend and know that 27-year-old Gyokeres is determined to move to the Emirates and personal terms will not be an issue.

But Sporting president Frederico Varandas has been adamant that there is no gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave - and they are determined to stand firm on the price.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals why Arsenal pushed for surprise Christian Norgaard transfer

READ MORE: Arsenal ready to 'give up' on Viktor Gyokeres transfer over payment frustration

That is the big obstacle but there is still huge optimism that the deal will get done for Gyokeres to become Arsenal’s new No9. Gyokeres is making it clear he does not want to return to Sporting in a further stand-off but talks are being seen as drawn out rather than stalled.

The ex-Coventry and Brighton striker Gyokeres left English football to become a huge hit in Portugal where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances. Arsenal believe he can score the goals to be a hit in English football and they are pushing hard to get business done before they jet off on their preseason tour.

They have announced Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a £12m deal, they have completed a deal on keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and are talking to Chelsea after making a £40m-plus for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.

Arsenal also need to tie down Ethan Nwaneri, 18, who is entering the final year of his contract but wants playing time and the uncertainty around his future - with him fitting perfectly into Chelsea’s model - is a huge concern.

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