Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign a new striker after finally making a decision on their top target and it's terrible news for Manchester United
07:48, 02 Jul 2025Updated 08:02, 02 Jul 2025
Arsenal are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for a deal to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates, while a move for Benjamin Sesko appears to be on hold.
The Gunners' main mission this summer is to secure a top-notch striker and both Gyokeres and Sesko have been identified as their prime targets. Both players are tipped to exit their current clubs ahead of the 2025-26 season, but until now, it's been uncertain who Arsenal would splash the cash on for a big-money transfer.
However, according to fresh reports from Europe, it seems that Gyokeres, not Sesko, is set to don the Arsenal jersey, in a hammer blow to rivals Manchester United, who have also pursued signing the Swedish goal machine to link up with former manager Ruben Amorim once again at Old Trafford.
Sky Sports report that Arsenal and Sporting are deep into 'advanced talks' over a sensational deal that would see 27-year-old Gyokeres trade the Portuguese Primeira Liga for the Premier League.
As negotiations between the clubs progress, it's reported that Gyokeres and Arsenal have already shaken hands on a five-year contract for the Swedish star, reports the Mirror.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig
Arsenal have been looking to bag Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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It's suggested that Arsenal believe they're nearing the 'finish line' after shifting focus from Sesko, 22, who was heavily pursued last summer before penning a new deal with RB Leipzig.
Despite whispers that Sesko was Mikel Arteta's first-choice striker target, rumours linking Gyokeres to Arsenal have remained persistent.
The Swedish striker is eager to join Arsenal, despite interest from United, who are now reportedly pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.
Gyokeres has also rejected a lucrative £11million-a-year contract offer from Juventus, preferring a move to Arsenal, who are seeking quality reinforcements after finishing second for a third consecutive season.
It appears there is no way back for Sporting and Gyokeres, with the striker reportedly furious at the club for reneging on a gentleman's agreement to sell him for a significantly lower price than his release clause.
Sporting Lisbon president Federico Varandas recently stated: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.
"Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won't disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won't leave, absolutely not.
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"In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for 65 million, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75 million euros.
"We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don't believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world."