Arsenal are desperate to sign a striker during the summer transfer window and Mikel Arteta has reportedly set a deadline for a deal to be completed for Viktor Gyokeres
10:31, 04 Jul 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his attacking options during the summer transfer window(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has imposed a tight two-week deadline to secure the signing of Viktor Gyokeres or an alternative striker.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer as they bid to close the gap at the top of the table, having finished 10 points behind league champions Liverpool. Several candidates have emerged, including RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but Sporting CP's Gyokeres appears to be the top target.
Reports indicate that Arsenal are making progress in their pursuit of the Swedish striker, having agreed personal terms, and are now negotiating with Sporting, who are reportedly seeking around £69million (€80m) for their star player.
Arteta is eager to complete the deal swiftly, with the Mail Online suggesting that the Arsenal boss wants the transfer to be finalised before the team departs for their pre-season tour of Asia in Singapore on July 19.
This means that the bulk of negotiations will need to be concluded in the week starting July 14, leaving Arsenal with a limited timeframe to hammer out the terms of the deal, reports the Mirror.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has recently spoken about Gyokeres' future, mentioning Arsenal specifically when discussing the price they would be willing to sell the striker for, saying: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter.
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Viktor Gyokeres celebrating a goal
The Swede is likely to depart Sporting CP this summer(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"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.
Andrea Berta, Sporting Director of Arsenal (L), speaks to Tim Lewis, Vice Chairman of Arsenal
Andrea Berta must move quick in order to clinch the signing of Viktor Gyokeres(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, 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.
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"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."
Gyokeres isn't the only potential signing for Arsenal in the pipeline. Martin Zubimendi is on the brink of becoming a Gunner, while Valencia star Cristhian Mosquera has rejected a new contract with the La Liga side to facilitate a move.