Viktor Gyokeres Plan B emerges if Arsenal fail to complete blockbuster transfer

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly devised a back-up plan in the event his proposed move to Arsenal is blocked by Sporting. The forward is believed to be closing in on a blockbuster switch to the Emirates Stadium after months of speculation over his future. Talks are said to be at an advanced stage but a full agreement at club level is yet to be reached.

Arsenal are reportedly pressing hard to finalise a transfer fee, with Sporting thought to be playing hardball in negotiations. They have set a non-negotiable asking price of £60.3million up front and £8.6m in add-ons. The latest offer from Arsenal is believed to have fallen just short of those demands, meaning there is still work for the Gunners to do.

Wages are not expected to be a problem, with Gyokeres having been offered in excess of £200,000 per week. He is said to be confident that he will be an Arsenal player before long, having told Sporting that he will never play for them again.

However, the striker has reportedly developed a back-up plan just in case. If the move does not go ahead, he is prepared to wait until the end of the summer window and join a European club on loan, according to The Sun.

A similar tactic was adopted last summer by Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who was being pursued by Chelsea and Al-Ahli. Both deals fell through and the Nigerian marksman ended up joining Galatasaray on a temporary basis.

The report adds that several clubs are sniffing around Gyokeres in case he decides to pursue a loan move. The likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Fenerbahce are said to be among those keeping an eye on the situation.

Gyokeres was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier in the window, having previously excelled under Ruben Amorim's guidance. However, there is no guarantee he would consider joining United given their failure to qualify for Europe.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are likely to switch their focus to Benjamin Sesko if they fail to sign Gyokeres. They were heavily linked with the RB Leipzig forward last month and have reportedly identified him as a secondary option.

They would, of course, prefer to wrap up negotiations with Sporting so that Gyokeres can join their ranks. He scored 39 league goals from just 31 starts last season, establishing himself as one of Europe's most prolific forwards.

Gyokeres is believed to be unhappy with the way Sporting have handled his situation. It stems from his belief they have backtracked on a 'gentleman's agreement' to allow him to leave for a reduced price.

Only time will tell how the situation plays out, with Gyokeres seemingly destined for Arsenal unless there is a late twist to the tale.

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