Arsenal 'Freeze' Viktor Gyokeres Move Amid Heartbreak Over Price Tag

Arsenal looked to have won the race for Viktor Gyokeres after the Swedish striker turned down a move to Manchester United in favour of joining Mikel Arteta’s Champions League-chasing side.

However, the Gunners’ pursuit has hit a major roadblock after Sporting CP refused to budge on their steep asking price, leading the north London club to reportedly pause negotiations.

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According to Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal had proposed a deal worth €70 million (£60m), including add-ons, but Sporting are holding firm on the 27-year-old’s £85 million release clause.

“It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,” Arteta said as per Mirror.

“The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different.”

Arsenal identified Gyokeres as their top attacking target after his sensational form for Sporting, where he has scored 97 goals in just 102 games since joining from Coventry City in 2023.

The striker's physicality, work rate, and clinical finishing have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Manchester United were also keen to sign him, but the Sweden international made it clear he preferred a move to the Emirates, reportedly due to Arsenal’s Champions League status and their trajectory under Arteta.

However, Sporting’s hardline stance has sparked frustration behind the scenes, with president Frederico Varandas refusing to negotiate below the release clause.

“Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas said.

"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”

With the Gyokeres deal stalled, Arsenal are said to be turning their attention to Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.

The England international has been on the Gunners' radar for some time, with previous reports suggesting a move was considered during the January transfer window.

Watkins, who helped Villa secure Champions League qualification, has been vocal in the past about his love for Arsenal.

“Thierry Henry, as an Arsenal fan, was unbelievable to watch. He was my idol growing up,” Watkins told Sports Gazette back in 2020.

“The dream is to play for Arsenal one day but it’s a long shot. My family support them and stuff like that but that’s the long term.”

Although Aston Villa opted to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr earlier this year to balance their books, Watkins remained a key part of Unai Emery’s plans.

Whether Villa would be willing to part ways with their star striker this summer remains to be seen, especially with Champions League football on the horizon.