Viktor Gyokeres saga sparks spiky comment after latest Arsenal transfer setback

Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres could face a significant setback following the latest developments regarding Sporting CP's potential replacement for the striker.

The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a switch to the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta's outfit engaged in talks to secure the 27-year-old's services. The north London club were believed to be close to finalising a deal valued at £54.8million, with an additional £8.6m in performance-related bonuses.

However, the transfer's completion has been hindered by disagreements over the structure of the add-on payments within the agreement. Nevertheless, there had been fresh hope that the saga might finally reach its conclusion after reports emerged that the Portuguese giants had identified a successor for the prolific Gyokeres.

Almeria forward Luis Javier Suarez – who previously turned out for Watford – is reportedly the player Sporting have targeted. Whilst this development may have encouraged Arsenal supporters, comments from the Spanish club's sporting director, Joao Goncalves, indicated that Gyokeres' move could remain stalled.

In an interview with CNN Portugal, Goncalves revealed: "Luis has had his best season, he's in the best moment of his career – 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve. We haven't had any official contact with Sporting to date.

"We haven't received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we're moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We're managing our timing. He has a €40million (£34.6m) release clause.

"To paraphrase Frederico Varandas [Sporting CP president] – we're not asking for the value of the clause, but we're going to defend our interests." Whilst Gyokeres has chosen not to join Sporting for their pre-season tour, the club have since returned to action and earned a 1-0 victory over Sunderland in Portugal on Monday.

After the match, Sporting full-back Ivan Fresneda delivered a frosty response to journalists when questioned about how his team-mates are handling the uncertainty surrounding their leading marksman.

The Spaniard – suggesting the situation has created tension within the squad – told O Jogo: "You won't like the answer, but it's not my responsibility." Beyond the Gunners' pursuit of Gyokeres, they've had a productive summer, bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.

Despite their transfer business, Arteta acknowledged he remains unsatisfied with his squad numbers, confessing the club are still eager to make additional acquisitions. He said: "There's still a long time in the window.

"We are seeking still. In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad.

"We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have – and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."

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