Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Champions League
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Arsenal have moved a step closer to landing one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, with Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyökeres reportedly informing friends and family that he expects to join the Gunners this summer.
According to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, the 27-year-old Swedish international is confident that a move to north London is imminent.
Gyökeres has enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign with Sporting, scoring an extraordinary 54 goals and registering 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. His record includes 39 goals and 7 assists in 33 Liga Portugal matches, as well as six goals in seven UEFA Champions League games, notably a stunning hat-trick in a 4–1 demolition of Manchester City.
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Renowned for his strength, movement, and clinical finishing, Gyökeres has emerged as Arsenal’s top striker target as the club seek a consistent goalscorer to alleviate the burden on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. The Gunners have struggled for attacking consistency and the Swedish forward could be a potential solution.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking ontalkSPORT, Crook said: “I had a message about 24 hours ago suggesting Viktor Gyökeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal. We know Manchester United are interested, and there’s a relationship with Ruben Amorim, but Arsenal can offer Champions League football and possibly a title challenge.
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“There has been a fallout between Gyökeres and Sporting, with his agent claiming there was a gentleman’s agreement for a €60 million exit, but Sporting are now holding out for closer to €80 million. Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Šeško, but at the moment, I’d say Gyökeres looks the more likely.”
Gyökeres has a release clause of €100 million (£84 million), but Sporting are reportedly willing to negotiate. Portuguese outlet A Bola previously revealed that Arsenal had a €65 million bid rejected, but new reports indicate the Gunners are preparing an improved offer in the €80 million–€90 million range, potentially including performance-related add-ons.
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