Arsenal are preparing an improved bid for Viktor Gyokeres but Manchester United have also launched a rival offer for the Sporting CP striker, according to reports in Portugal.
Earlier this week, Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, met with his counterpart at Sporting, Bernardo Palmeiro, in Menorca to discuss a deal for the Sweden international.
However, Sporting turned down Arsenal’s initial proposal worth an initial €55 million (£46.8m) plus a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
Sporting have made it clear that they are willing to sell Gyokeres for less than his €100m (£85.1m) release clause and are understood to be holding out for a fee closer to €80m (£68.1m).
According to Maisfutebol, Arsenal are ready to submit an improved bid to Sporting with a package worth €70m (£59.6m) including bonuses.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
The report claims that Sporting are prepared to hold another round of negotiations with Arsenal, while there is a ‘growing optimism’ in Gyokeres’ camp that a deal can be agreed between the two clubs.
It’s also claimed that United remain in the race for Gyokeres and have made it clear to Sporting that they are willing to pay €60m (£51.1m) up front, plus a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
However, United are unable to offer Gyokeres the prospect of playing in Europe next season and it’s reported that Ruben Amorim’s side have ‘encountered obstacles’ in their direct talks with the striker, who finished the season with 54 goals in 52 games.
Meanwhile, Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, hit out at Gyokeres and his agent on Wednesday over suggestions that a transfer fee had been agreed ahead of the summer transfer window.
‘It was agreed that Sporting would not demand the release clause at the end of the following season, especially because he was going to be 27,’ Varandas said.
‘Then, we knew Viktor’s dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League and we have common sense. We guaranteed that we would not demand €100 million.
‘In that meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the departure to a value, he spoke of €60 million, €70 million… And I said “there’s no point in setting a value because I don’t know what will happen here in a year, if he gets injured, if he has a disappointing season.
‘There’s no point in setting a value, I don’t know if it will be €40m, €60m or €80m. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand €100 million.
‘From then on, I never spoke to the agent again, I never spoke to the player about departures and values.
‘Ten months have passed and I see the agent in the press spouting information here and there, but Sporting has common sense, it keeps its word.
‘One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised him that.
‘This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyokeres, neither today nor last season.’
On Thursday night, Gyokeres appeared to hit back at those claims in a post on Instagram which read: ‘There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
