Arsenal respond to rejected Viktor Gyokeres bid as Man United submit shock rival offer -Reports

Arsenal respond to rejected Viktor Gyokeres bid as Man United submit shock rival offer -Reports

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.

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.