Arsenal are in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window, but there are doubts emerging over a move for Martin Zubimendi
09:42, 16 May 2025
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's defeat and subsequent elimination after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is looking to end Arsenal's trophy drought(Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)
Arsenal's chase for Viktor Gyokeres is heating up, with the Gunners now leading the race to sign the Sporting Lisbon sensation.
Gyokeres has become one of Europe's most sought-after strikers after two brilliant seasons in Portugal. He's netted 52 goals this season and has helped Sporting take control at the top of the league as they bid for a second consecutive Primeira Liga title.
Arsenal are eager to secure a new striker as Mikel Arteta aims to end the club's five-year trophy drought next season. Gyokeres tops their wish list and it seems they're nearing a deal with the Swedish player.
However, there's uncertainty surrounding their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder seemed destined for the Emirates, but Real Madrid may disrupt those plans. This could be a significant setback for Arteta, who had earmarked Zubimendi as a key summer target.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Gyokeres sets his sights on Arsenal
PORTO, PORTUGAL - APRIL 27: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Clube de Portugal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Boavista FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Estadio do Bessa on April 27, 2025 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has his heart set on Arsenal(Image: Diogo Cardoso, Getty Images)
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According to reports in Portugal, Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to Arsenal and the Gunners are believed to have offered him a contract worth £7m per year.
Arsenal are set to pause their pursuit until after the Taca de Portugal final in order to maintain their positive relationship with Sporting. However, once resumed, it's reported by A Bola that Gyokeres is eager to quickly finalise a move to the Emirates.
It's understood that the striker is a fan of the project led by manager Arteta and Arsenal chiefs have reportedly 'captured Gyokeres emotionally and financially' in their discussions so far.
Flop to return
Fabio Vieira is expected to make a comeback to Arsenal this summer, as Porto seem unlikely to bring him back to Portugal. Vieira joined the Gunners in the summer of 2022 but has failed to meet expectations.
PORTO, PORTUGAL - APRIL 18: Fabio Vieira of FC Porto gestures during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between FC Porto and FC Famalicão at Estadio do Dragao on April 18, 2025 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Fabio Vieira is set to return to Arsenal(Image: Diogo Cardoso, Getty Images)
He was loaned out to Porto at the beginning of the season, but had difficulty securing a starting spot with the Portuguese giants. Despite eventually finding a regular place in the team, Record reports that Porto are unlikely to seek a permanent deal for him.
Instead, the Portuguese giants are focused on signing Shakhtar Donetsk star Georgiy Sudakov. Vieira will stay with Porto for the Club World Cup before returning to the Gunners after the tournament.
Zubimendi blow
Doubts are beginning to surface over whether Arsenal can secure a deal for Zubimendi. Earlier this week, it seemed that the midfielder was close to completing a move to the Gunners.
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SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - APRIL 12: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and RCD Mallorca at Reale Arena on April 12, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are interested in Martin Zubimendi(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
However, according to AS, Zubimendi has not yet officially signed a contract with Arteta's Arsenal. This has given Real Madrid an opportunity to swoop in and snatch him from under Arsenal's noses.
Madrid are hoping that the imminent arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso will persuade Zubimendi to choose the Bernabeu over the Emirates. With Arsenal's deal still up in the air, Los Blancos believe they still have time to secure the Spanish international's signature.