Viktor Gyokeres Update: Arsenal Maintain Pressure as Sporting Stand Firm
Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres is very much alive with their discussions with Sporting CP persisting as they look to settle on an agreement before the pre-season market gets fully up to speed. In this Viktor Gyokeres update, the Swedish international is believed to have informed family and close pals that a switch to North London would interest him but Arsenal are still heading for a tense standoff over the striker’s release clause.
Sporting are standing firm on their €100 million (£85 million) valuation, related to the release clause added when Gyokeres joined from Coventry City in 2023. Arsenal, despite being highly motivated, have thus far not been willing to trigger the clause in its entirety. Instead, they have presented structured packages with further add-ons based on appearances and reasonable payment schedules. Sporting turned down the first two offers, although sources close to the discussions claim the second one came in close to £60 million.
Club insiders claim Arsenal remain convinced that Gyokeres wants to join, and personal terms would not be a problem. Yet, Sporting’s strong stance has forced Andrea Berta and the recruitment team to either meet the full clause or run the risk of another club snapping up their top striking target. Rúben Amorim’s Portuguese side insist they feel no pressure to sell Gyokeres unless a buying club meets their conditions in full.
Talks should intensify this week, with plans for pre-season starting to come together. The Gunners are hoping to avoid taking the deal into the final week of July with UEFA Champions League qualifying and overseas tours on the horizon. If Sporting demonstrate flexibility over the payment schedule, a deal could yet be struck within days.
Gyokeres Delivers Elite Numbers as Rivals Circle
Viktor Gyokeres had a sensational 2024–25 season, scoring 54 goals in all competitions and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most feared strikers. His strength, pressing intensity and directness suit Mikel Arteta’s central-striker-based system, which relies upon a forward who can both link play and press from the front.
The former Brighton academy starlet has already made it clear he is open to a return to England, and for a Champions League club. Arsenal have been leading the race after maintaining an interest for the past six months with other clubs watching developments closely. Chelsea, PSG, and even Manchester United showed interest at one point, but none of them approached Sporting during the last transfer window.
Arsenal want to sign Viktor Gyokeres before the pre-season tour in Asia
Arteta will undoubtedly want to begin experimenting with some new ideas and some new personnel in these friendlies.
[Correio de Manha] pic.twitter.com/3r6Z4lkIQd
— ARSENAL (@tomgunner14) June 23, 2025
At 26, Gyokeres sits perfectly between physical prime and tactical growth potential. His toughness and reliable fitness appeal to Arsenal, who still find their attack too inconsistent in terms of availability. Gabriel Jesus, despite his creativity and work rate, has never fully convinced as a finished product. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz usually operates as a hybrid forward, with Arteta rarely using him as a traditional No.9.
Sporting’s refusal to accept a structured offer came on financial grounds. The clubs must maximise their biggest assets, and with Gyokeres under contract until 2028, Sporting hold the upper hand in any negotiations. Whether that leverage is still there should the striker persist in seeking the move is another matter.
Author’s Opinion
With Arsenal’s central striker position still without a solution long-term this pursuit makes sense. Viktor Gyokeres fits Arteta’s tactics perfectly and brings a prolific scoring record at the top level. If he carries over even 75% of his current production in England – granted, this is a big if – he would solve one of Arsenal’s most pressing problems in a title-contending season.
But the economics are steep. Arsenal cannot afford to sacrifice future flexibility for the sake of one deal. Payment structures and performance-related incentives are understandable, and press too close to the full clause only make sense if other striker options prove impossible.
If Arsenal truly believe Gyokeres is the missing piece, they must get the deal done now. With the striker eager and rival clubs circling, the club can’t afford hesitation. This Viktor Gyokeres update marks just one chapter in the transfer saga—but it could prove the most decisive moment yet.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Recommended for you