Fresh Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer twist as Sporting CP threat issued

Almeria president Joao Goncalves has issued a warning to Sporting CP amidst ongoing negotiations with Arsenal for Viktor Gyokeres, indicating they're open to selling striker Luis Suarez elsewhere.

Sporting have their sights set on ex-Watford ace Suarez, who netted 31 goals in 43 games last season, as the ideal successor to their Swedish star.

Interest in Suarez isn't limited to Portugal, with clubs across Europe, including Sunderland and Burnley, showing curiosity about the prolific scorer.

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Sporting's move for Suarez hinges on completing the transfer of Gyokeres to Arsenal, which is currently stalled over disagreements regarding add-ons in the proposed £63.5million deal.

Goncalves has made it clear that Almeria are ready to engage with other interested parties, as he told CNN Portugal: "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 also mentioned the player's release clause, stating: "Fair value? He has a €40million release clause. To paraphrase Frederico Varandas - we're not asking for the value of the clause, but we're going to defend our interests."

The Colombian international is currently tied to LaLiga 2 side Almeria until 2029, but it's believed that the player has his sights set on a move to Sporting.

This could be a deciding factor, even if Almeria strike a deal with another club, Suarez might hold out for Sporting.

Meanwhile, Goncalves' remarks add another layer of urgency for the Portuguese champions to seal the deal with Arsenal for Gyokeres.The Swedish striker is awaiting the green light to jet off to London for his medical checks.

He won't be joining the Arsenal squad on their flight to Singapore today for their pre-season Asian tour, but there's still a chance he could link up with the team once all necessary paperwork is sorted.

Arsenal have already agreed an initial fee of £55m (€63.5m) for Gyokeres, with an additional £8.5m (€10m) in bonuses on the table.

Sporting are hoping to receive £2.2m (€2.5m) after the 27 year old makes 20 appearances, another £2.2m (€2.5m) when Gyokeres reaches 40 appearances, and a final £2.2m (€2.5m) if Arsenal clinch a Champions League spot.

The Gunners are pushing for the last bonus payment to be more challenging to attain, but Sporting are reportedly seeking guarantees they'll eventually pocket the full amount.

Discussions between Arsenal and Sporting also touch on the FIFA solidarity mechanism, which would compensate Gyokeres' former clubs for their part in nurturing the striker's talent.