Viktor Gyokeres could give Martin Odegaard a new lease of life at Arsenal. The 26-year-old striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now as he continues to impress for Sporting Clube de Portugal.
Gyokeres, who sees his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, has featured 32 times in the Primeira Liga this season, scoring 38 goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role in Rui Borges' side, the Sweden international has fired his club to the top of the table.
With one game left to play, just three goals separate Sporting in first from Benfica in second. Regardless of whether Gyokeres wins the title this weekend, he's attracted interest from lots of top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, Andrea Berta favours a move for Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko. The report claims that the Swede is expected to prioritise the Gunners over Manchester United, who are also keen, if he leaves.
It's said that Alexander Isak remains the 'dream target' for Arsenal, but Newcastle United have insisted he's not for sale. The Telegraph add that Gyokeres has Berta's backing, and Sporting are expected to accept a fee lower than his release clause.
The new sporting director at the Emirates Stadium, who tried to sign him when he was in charge of recruitment at Atlético Madrid, must do whatever it takes to wrap up a deal. Gyokeres could give Odegaard a new lease of life.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting runs with the ball during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 4, 2025
Viktor Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Arsenal captain has often struggled to impress this season, falling short of the level expected from a captain whose team want to compete on all fronts. Of course, Odegaard isn't entirely to blame, with injuries to big names and questionable recruitment decisions taking their toll.
But if the Gunners want to take the next step, the 26-year-old midfielder must improve. When Arsenal need somebody to take a game by the scruff of the neck, he needs to step up and lead by example.
Odegaard works exceptionally hard. He's brilliant on the ball and capable of threading the eye of the needle. However, Odegaard seems to second-guess himself sometimes.
The Norway international is already performing at a very high level, but a world-class striker will elevate his game. Goals. Assists. The lot. His numbers will go through the roof and, with that, so will his confidence.
Gyokeres could help Odegaard realise what he's capable of. For as long as Mikel Merino or Kai Havertz are leading the frontline, the Norwegian is limiting his output.
In the meantime, he can only hope that Berta pulls the trigger. Last month, Gyokeres was quizzed on a potential move to London, but he remained tight-lipped.
Following Sporting's 3-1 win over Moreirense, the £63m-rated striker was asked if he liked London. He replied: "I like Lisbon."
Then, on his 'gentleman's agreement' to leave the club in the summer, Gyokeres added: "I can’t say anything about that. No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment..."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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