Viktor Gyökeres may have just one game left for Sporting CP, with reports in Portugal suggesting Arsenal have won the race to sign the prolific striker.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 22: Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting Lisbon in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between RB Leipzig and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Leipzig Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Viktor Gyökeres is edging closer to a move to Arsenal, according to reports in Portugal, as Sporting CP prepare for a seismic summer of change following the departure of manager Rúben Amorim.
In an editorial published on Monday, respected Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported that Gyökeres’s transfer to Arsenal is effectively sealed, with the striker set to bring in a significant windfall for Sporting as they brace for a rebuild amid mounting interest in several of their top performers.
Though the Lisbon club still have the Taça de Portugal final to contest against Benfica, preparations for next season are already underway – with the Swedish forward’s exit appearing inevitable.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP scores goal from the penalty spot during the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable campaign in green and white, scoring 53, with 13 assists, across all competitions (51 games). Signed less than two years ago from Coventry City, Gyökeres has become a talismanic figure at Alvalade, his relentless style and clinical finishing quickly earning admiration across Europe.
Arsenal, who have been long-time admirers, are understood to have moved decisively ahead of competition from Chelsea and Atlético Madrid to secure his services.
SOLNA, SWEDEN - NOVEMBER 16: Alexander Isak of Sweden celebrates scoring his team's second goal with team mate Viktor Gyokeres and Ken Sema of Sweden during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1 match between Sweden and Slovakia at the Strawberry Arena on November 16, 2024 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images
Sporting’s title-winning project is already beginning to unravel. Amorim, hailed for masterminding last year’s championship, has taken up the managerial post at Manchester United, while Hugo Viana left last season for Manchester City in an executive capacity. As O Jogo put it, that has left club president Frederico Varandas with “the child in his arms” – the unenviable task of reassembling the leadership of a team that had been carefully built over several seasons.
The editorial was blunt in its assessment of Sporting’s internal transition. The brief appointment of João Pereira was described as a “casting error”, while current interim manager Rui Borges, initially a stopgap, has transformed his tenure into a potential fairytale. A Cup victory against Benfica would add a crowning flourish to a run that O Jogo says could be remembered as “five dream months”.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 5: Head Coach Josep Guardiola of Manchester City congratulates goal scorer Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
For Arsenal, the acquisition of Gyökeres represents a significant move. With Andrea Berta now in place as sporting director, the club appear determined to furnish Mikel Arteta with the firepower to mount another title challenge next season.
Gyökeres, who combines athleticism with a raw scoring instinct, offers a profile Arsenal have lacked in their current attacking options for years.
Barring any last minute disaster, it seems the only remaining question is when the move will be announced. But in Lisbon, there is no longer any doubt: Gyökeres is heading to Arsenal.