Arsenal are preparing for a bumper summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta desperate to bring in a new striker as the pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres kicks up a gear
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Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres looks on during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, on May 4, 2025. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres looks on during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, on May 4, 2025. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has his heart set on joining Arsenal(Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres is gathering pace, with the Gunners now firmly in pole position to sign the Sporting Lisbon star. Gyokeres has emerged as one of the hottest strikers in Europe in his two years in Portugal.
He has scored an astonishing 52 goals this season, with Sporting in the driving seat to win their second successive Primeira Liga title. Gyokeres' performances have earned him the attention of many of Europe's top clubs.
Arsenal are desperate to bring in a new striker as Mikel Arteta bids to end his side's five year trophy drought next season. Gyokeres is at the top of their shopping list and they appear to be closing in on the Swede.
The breakthrough in the chase for Gyokeres comes amid emerging doubts in the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder had looked set to move to the Emirates, but Real Madrid are preparing to throw a spanner in the works.
That would be a major blow to Arteta, who had made Zubimendi one of his priority targets for the summer. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.
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Gyokeres makes preference clear
Viktor Gyokeres has hit heart set on joining Arsenal according to reports in Portugal. Gyokeres is one of the Gunners' top targets for the summer and the Premier League side are understood to have offered him a contract worth £7m per year.
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Arsenal are likely to put their pursuit on ice until after the final of the Taca de Portugal to maintain their positive relationship with Sporting Lisbon. But once that pursuit is resumed, A Bola claim Gyokeres is keen to quickly complete a move to the Emirates.
It is said that the striker is an admirer of the project that is led by boss Mikel Arteta. Chiefs at the Gunners are reported to have 'grabbed Gyokeres emotionally and financially' in their talks so far.
Flop set for return
PORTO, PORTUGAL - DECEMBER 16: Fabio Vieira of FC Porto gestures during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between FC Porto and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio do Dragao on December 16, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Flop Fabio Vieira is set to return to Arsenal this summer with Porto ready to send him back
(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Fabio Vieira is set to return to Arsenal this summer, with Porto unlikely to bring him back to Portugal. Vieira joined the Gunners in the summer of 2022 but was unable to live up to expectations.
He was sent out on loan to Porto ahead of this season, but struggled to cement a place with the Portugese giants. While he has eventually found a regular spot in the team, Record claim that Porto are unlikely to pursue a permanent deal for him.
Instead, the Portuguese giants are focused on signing Shakhtar Donetsk star Georgiy Sudakov. Vieira will remain with Porto for the Club World Cup before returning to the Gunners after that tournament.
Zubimendi doubts emerge
Doubts are starting to emerge that Arsenal can wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi. It appeared earlier this week that the midfielder was on the verge of completing a move to the Gunners.
But according to AS, Zubimendi is yet to officially sign a contract with Mikel Arteta's men. That has opened the door to Real Madrid, who are now looking to steal in under Arsenal's noses.
Madrid hope the impending arrival of new boss Xabi Alonso can convince Zubimendi to move to the Bernabeu instead. With a deal with Arsenal still pending, Los Blancos believe there is still time to sign the Spanish international.
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