Arsenal remain active in the race but risk losing ground as Juventus step up their pursuit
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP reaction after missing a goal opportunity during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sp...
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Juventus have moved into what Italian media describe as “pole position” to sign Viktor Gyökeres, but the Sporting CP striker is still understood to favour a move to Arsenal.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are now in direct negotiations with both Sporting and Gyökeres’s entourage. A formal offer is expected shortly, with the Serie A club aiming to meet the striker’s personal demands of €7.5 million (£6.3 million) net per season.
The total package would represent a significant financial commitment, but still falls below the wages currently earned by Dušan Vlahović.
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
While Gyökeres’s release clause stands at €100 million (£84.5 million), Sporting are reportedly prepared to accept a deal worth €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses. Juventus are believed to be working towards that figure, with Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas stating publicly, “I will not ask for €100 million,” while still holding firm on rejecting lower bids.
Arsenal, for their part, remain actively involved in the race and have already submitted an offer of €55 million plus €10 million in add-ons. While that proposal has not been accepted, there has been no indication that Arsenal have withdrawn their interest. According to Record, the club had been willing to raise their offer to €70 million in total.
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
Gyökeres is still believed to prefer a move to north London, both for the opportunity to play in the Premier League and to work under Mikel Arteta. However, Arsenal’s position is complicated by budgetary considerations and the availability of alternative targets.
Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig has re-emerged as a strong option, with a deal potentially available for around €65 million.
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
Arsenal have also held discussions over Ollie Watkins, who is expected to be available for approximately £40 million. Both forwards represent less expensive alternatives to Gyökeres, whose price remains at the top end of the club’s attacking shortlist.
Gyökeres scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting across two seasons and has attracted serious interest from across Europe and Saudi Arabia. While he remains open to several destinations, his preferred move to Arsenal now depends on whether the club are prepared to return with a higher bid.
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