Sporting striker subject of concrete offer as Arsenal intensify search for centre-forward
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
Arsenal have submitted a formal offer for Viktor Gyökeres, escalating their long-standing pursuit of the Sporting CP striker in what could become one of the defining moves of the summer window.
Arsenal in bid for Gyokeres according to reports Manchester Evening News14 Jun 2025 Viktor Gyokeres ARSENAL have reportedly made a formal offer for United-linked Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish international has risen to prominence as one of Europe’s leading strikers in recent years, boasting an impressive tally of 97 goals in 102 matches since his move from Coventry City to Liga Portugal in July 2023. Sporting’s top goal scorer this season has made a significant impact in the Portuguese top-tier, netting 39 goals and providing eight assists in 33 appearances. The 27-year-old has been a pivotal player in Rui Borges’ squad, driving Sporting to another league title and cup victory. Sky Sports claimed on Tuesday that the Reds have made an approach to sign Gyokeres. It is said that United are exploring the conditions of a potential deal. Gyokeres reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting this summer for offers above £58million (EUR70m) despite a release clause of around £84m (EUR100m). And Portuguese publication Maisfutebol claim that Arsenal are willing to pay a fixed amount below EUR60m (around £51m) plus bonuses. It is claimed that despite the initial impasse, negotiations between both clubs are expected to continue in the coming days. It is also said that United are ready to make a similar offer for the player Amorim knows well. The reports come after Sporting president Frederico Varandas revealed no promises were made to Gyokeres about letting him leave for EUR60m this summer. Article Name:Arsenal in bid for Gyokeres according to reports Publication:Manchester Evening News Start Page:32 End Page:32
Manchester Evening News 14 Jun 2025
According to reports in Portugal, the club’s bid falls below the €60 million (£51 million) mark in fixed payments, with the remainder structured through bonuses. Sporting are yet to accept the proposal, but negotiations are expected to continue.
Despite a €100 million (£84 million) release clause, Gyökeres is understood to have a gentleman’s agreement to leave for significantly less, though Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly denied any such commitment.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 22: Goal scorer Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP before the start of the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
This is not the first time Portuguese media have claimed Arsenal have made a move for Gyökeres, nor is it the first to suggest that personal terms have already been agreed. While the club have not confirmed any such details, the mounting frequency of reports suggests talks are now at an advanced stage.
Gyökeres, 27, has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since his move from Coventry City to Lisbon last summer. He scored 39 goals and registered eight assists in 33 league appearances, playing a central role in Sporting’s title-winning campaign under Rúben Amorim. In total, he scored 54 goals, with 13 assists, in 52 games across all competitions.
Despite strong interest from Manchester United, who are also monitoring the player’s situation, Arsenal appear to have made the first concrete move. Sky Sports have reported that United are “exploring the conditions of a potential deal,” but have not yet submitted a formal offer.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
David Ornstein recently confirmed that Arsenal’s striker shortlist is down to three names: Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Ollie Watkins. Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, he said: “It’s similar with Gyökeres, with Watkins. We’re not aware of other candidates.”
While there has been speculation that Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new sporting director, may be leveraging multiple targets to strengthen his hand in negotiations, sources close to the situation insist all three names remain under active consideration.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Aston Villa FC and Celtic FC at Villa Park on January 29, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Arsenal have held talks with RB Leipzig regarding Šeško, but Ornstein stressed such conversations are “normal” at this stage and should not be seen as conclusive. “I’d be more surprised if Arsenal weren’t exploring all of that sort of stuff,” he said.
For Gyökeres, who has amassed 97 goals in 102 games since leaving English football, a Premier League return would represent a major personal step forward. A move to north London would also solve a long-standing issue for Mikel Arteta, whose side ended last season without a prolific striker.
Whether Arsenal’s current offer will satisfy Sporting remains to be seen. For now, what is clear is that the club have made their intentions known. Gyökeres is no longer just an option. He is a bid.
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