Arsenal risk repeating Arsene Wenger transfer mistake with Viktor Gyokeres

It was initially hailed as the deal that would finally give Mikel Arteta the clinical striker he needed to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory. And, for Arsenal fans, it's a saga rapidly descending into frustration and farce.

The transfer of Viktor Gyokeres is still not done, with the Gunners and Sporting CP still seemingly at odds over the structure of the deal. An initial £64million fee was reportedly agreed in principle, but negotiations have been ongoing over the potential add-ons. The Portuguese club are said to be demanding a series of bonuses that could raise the overall figure to £69m.

For a club that has just forked out £52m for Noni Madueke, a player who will boost an area where they are already well stocked, adhering to Sporting's stance appears a minor financial annoyance. Instead, Arsenal appear to be dragging their feet, haggling over the finer points when time is not of the essence.

The saga has delayed Gyokeres's arrival and denied Arteta the chance to work with the Swedish forward in the early stages of pre-season. It's also elevated the prospect of the deal collapsing entirely.

Whether it be the patience of Sporting chiefs that snaps or another European giant capitalising on the confusion, Arsenal now appear at risk of repeating the same grave mistake they made 12 years ago. That summer, the pursuit of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez began amid a fervour of excitement among fans, and yet ended in ridicule.

The Uruguayan had been vocal about wanting a move to play Champions League football. Amid the belief that Suarez had a £40m release clause in his contract, then-manager Arsene Wenger seemingly sanctioned a bid of that figure plus, wait for it, £1.

Liverpool's understandable resentment was matched only by the disdain of Arsenal fans. A potential world-class forward, ahead of a season where the title appeared within the club's grasp, never signed with the situation almost beyond parody.

Sound familiar? This isn't a time for Arsenal to baulk at a significant transfer over pride and slight annoyance. Pay what Sporting want, structure the deal accordingly, and send a message to the rest that the club is serious about finally landing the major silverware fans crave.

Any other scenario, and supporters will have to get the 2004/05 Invincible season DVDs back out.