As Arsenal gear up for what promises to be a seismic summer transfer window, their hunt for a top centre forward has stretched far and wide. Central to their search is Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, whose remarkable scoring exploits for both club and country have made him impossible to overlook.
Mikel Arteta, frustrated by a season where injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposed the brittleness of his attack, is scanning the continent for a forward capable of making a real impact. Gyokeres – with a staggering 96 goals in 101 appearances for Sporting – has become one of the most talked-about strikers in the world, and has been swirling in Arsenal's orbit for some time.
It's believed a deal could be struck for around £60million, with Sporting reportedly open to lowering their asking price despite a £84m release clause in Gyokeres' deal. That said, Arsenal aren't alone in their interest, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG are all thought to be keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old.
Even so, the Gunners remain confident as they prepare to go all-in to solve their ongoing issues in front of goal. Gyokeres certainly seems a natural fit – but it's not just his sharp finishing that will catch Arteta's eye.
His cheeky response to a playful dig from Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, coupled with glimpses of his lively personality, reveal a player full of composure, bite, and a mischievous spark.
In a Champions League clash between Arsenal and Sporting last November, Gabriel celebrated a goal by imitating Gyokeres' signature celebration. The Swede's familiar pose – hands interlocked across his face in tribute to DC Comics villain Bane – was mimicked by Gabriel, whose version some fans interpreted as a Batman-style riposte.
The act was dubbed "disrespectful" by Sporting supporters and even Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg. But Gyokeres took no offence, responding with a cheeky Instagram post showing himself doing the celebration with the caption: "Always with respect."
He downplayed the episode afterward, telling journalists: "Gabriel's celebration? He's welcome to steal it... I didn't know he did that, but it's fun he likes my celebration."
Though minor, the incident hinted at how Gyokeres might handle life under the Premier League microscope. In a league fuelled by big rivalries and intense pressure, his ability to respond with humour over hostility speaks volumes.
Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel compete for the ball
Gyokores' reaction to Gabriel stealing his goal celebration spoke volumes (Image: Getty Images)
It suggests not only that he's prepared for the limelight – but that he might just relish it. His reaction also highlighted a player who doesn't let ego get in the way – a rare mix of confidence and humility that any manager would be keen to harness.
Gyokeres has long shown the ability to maintain his cool under pressure. His last game for Coventry City, before moving to Sporting in 2023, was the Championship play-off final – a gutting loss to Luton Town on penalties.
Afterwards, Gyokeres spoke openly about the disappointment of falling just short of promotion, but did so through an optimistic lens. "It's tough, but you have to go through the lows to appreciate the highs," he said. "You learn from it, and it makes you stronger."
Gyokeres celebrates while playing for Coventry
Gyokeres has demonstrated a first-class attitude throughout his career, especially when dealing with setbacks (Image: Greig Cowie/REX/Shutterstock)
Rather than dwell on the heartbreak, he shared a thoughtful message two days later: "Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising every time we fall."
This kind of mental strength – calm, reflective, and resilient – is something Arteta greatly values. For an Arsenal squad that has tasted disappointment in successive title pushes, a player with Gyokeres' temperament could be crucial.
But his fun-loving nature is just as endearing. In 2023, Gyokeres shared a humorous tale about gifting Sweden team-mate and then-Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson a special Christmas surprise after scoring past him in the Championship.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating
Gyokeres has scored an incredible 53 goals this season (Image: Getty Images)
"He received a Christmas present after the goal – a picture of me scoring the goal, and I signed it and framed it," Gyokeres told Fotbollskanalen. "It was his Christmas present... he has teased me before when I haven't scored. So it was nice now when I scored the goals."
As a former Coventry staff member put it: "He [Gyokeres] has always been a bit of a joker, but he knows when to switch it on for the game." And when he does switch it on, the results are devastating.
Naby Sarr, who came up against him during his time at Reading, branded Gyokeres as "poison" on the pitch – powerful, unrelenting, and tireless. "What sets him apart from the others is that he's not lazy," Sarr said. "His mindset has always been to tell himself that no ball is unplayable. Even if it seems unreachable and he's five meters behind, he'll chase it. He's poison."
Viktor Gyokeres
The Swede is consistently inspiring his team-mates (Image: Getty Images)
Away from the field, it's a different story. Former Coventry midfielder Wesley Jobello described him as "friendly, humble" and eager to improve – even when his finishing once left much to be desired.
Now, his stats speak for themselves. With 53 goals in 51 games this season – including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League – Gyokeres has silenced doubts about whether his scoring exploits in Portugal could translate to a higher level.
What makes him such a compelling target isn't just the goals. It's the mindset – the relentless drive to improve, the positive influence in the dressing room, the resilience in tough moments.
Gyokeres on the ball for Brighton U23s
Even at Brighton, where he struggled for game-time, Gyokeres was the model professional, and worked hard on improving himself (Image: Getty Images)
His old Brighton team-mate Gaetan Bong admitted he was "baffled" by Gyokeres' rise, remembering a player who once lacked polish. "He was always working, always pushing," Bong remembered.
Sporting boss Rui Borges echoed that sentiment recently: "There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team. He has helped the team to grow with confidence... He passes it on to his team-mates.
"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest. He instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres could prove a brilliant signing for Arsenal if they get him (Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
For an Arsenal side that often leans on leaders like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the Swede's presence could take them to another level – the type of signing who might turn near-misses into silverware.
As the transfer window draws closer, Gyokeres' potential arrival would represent more than just a new goal threat. Here's a player who has risen through adversity – from play-off heartbreak to early struggles at Brighton – with grit and maturity.
He's the type who brings laughter to training but total focus to match day. And at 26, he's entering his peak, fit and ready to be the prolific No. 9 that Arteta has long been searching for.
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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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