Arsenal have decided that Viktor Gyokeres is their primary attacking target heading into the summer transfer window and they are prepared to hand the Sporting star a similar contract to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard if he opts to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Gunners' recruitment drive will be led by Andrea Berta, after being earmarked as the outstanding candidate when they went in search of replacing Edu as sporting director, and he is working closely with boss Mikel Arteta as they identify ways to improve a squad which is on course to finish second in the Premier League for the third season on the spin.
Although defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi is in line to become Arsenal's first acquisition before the 2025/26 campaign, having verbally agreed personal terms with the north Londoners ahead of a move from Real Sociedad, there is a desire to bring in additional firepower in the coming months.
Gyokeres Could be Handed Lucrative Contract
Sweden international earmarked as preferred frontman target
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating after scoring for Sporting
Arsenal are prepared to hand Gyokeres a £240,000-per-week contract if he joins from Sporting in the summer, according to GMS sources, after he has been pinpointed as their preferred target ahead of RB Leipzig marksman Benjamin Sesko as they go in search of signing a new first-choice striker.
The Gunners are willing to hand the Sweden international terms which would put him on a similar level to Rice and captain Odegaard, highlighting their desire to acquire his services, and there is hope behind the scenes that they will be able to win the race for his signature when the transfer window reopens for business.
GMS sources have been informed that Gyokeres is rated at £60million and, having enjoyed a productive season in front of goal, is being viewed by Arsenal as a more attainable target than Alexander Isak after accepting that Premier League rivals Newcastle United will not let him go without a fight.
Viktor Gyokeres' statistics for Sporting this season
Although the 26-year-old has a release clause worth in excess of £85million written into his agreement, Sporting have given assurances that they will sanction his departure for significantly less than that figure after he previously opted against agitating to leave the Primeira Liga heavyweights.
Arsenal are willing to push the boat out when it comes to recruiting a new No.9, GMS sources have learned, and it has become clear that their preference is to make a move for Gyokeres instead of Sesko as they put their final plans in place ahead of being able to head to the negotiating table.
Gyokeres Expected to Seal Summer Departure
Fears growing in Portugal that 26-year-old will complete move
Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres applauding the supporters
GMS sources have been told that Arsenal's pursuit of Gyokeres has resulted in there being fears in Portugal that Sporting's Primeira Liga clash with Vitoria SC on Saturday will prove to be his final home encounter for his current employers ahead of embarking on a fresh challenge away from the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who has been described as 'the best striker in the world' thanks to his consistent performances, will be looking to wrap up the title by clinching all three points before turning his attentions towards facing arch-rivals Benfica in the Taca de Portugal final on May 25.
Arsenal are in a prime position to satisfy Gyokeres by meeting his ambitions and financial demands, GMS sources understand, leading to influential figures behind the scenes planning to get the deal over the line after having extreme doubts over whether it would be possible to sign Isak.
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The Gunners are also in the market for wide attackers, with GMS sources recently revealing that Borussia Dortmund talisman Jamie Gittens is being eyed as a potential acquisition as they seek an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard ahead of another Premier League title challenge.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 14/05/2025
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