In a major show of commitment to joining Arsenal, Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly agreed to give up €2 million from his salary to help push through a transfer from Sporting CP to the Premier League giants. The gesture underlines just how eager the Swedish striker is to make the switch to North London, even as Sporting continue to hold firm on their valuation of the player.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyökeres has intensified in recent weeks, with the striker emerging as one of Mikel Arteta’s top forward targets. However, negotiations with Sporting have proven difficult. The Portuguese side are demanding a fee significantly higher than what Arsenal have proposed so far, with the club’s president previously insisting that Gyökeres would not be sold for anything less than what they consider fair market value.
Despite the impasse, Gyökeres’ willingness to sacrifice a portion of his salary has injected fresh momentum into the talks. According to reports, the 26-year-old is so determined to join Arsenal that he has agreed to forgo €2 million in wages to help bridge the financial gap between the two clubs. It’s a rare move in modern football and highlights how much the player values the opportunity to play under Arteta and be part of the Premier League project Arsenal are building.
This selfless gesture may help Arsenal get closer to Sporting’s demands, although the final fee still remains under negotiation. Arsenal’s current proposal reportedly falls short of the €100 million release clause, but the club remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached, particularly with the player’s full support and determination.
Gyökeres has been in sensational form for Sporting, scoring over 40 goals across all competitions this past season and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards. His physical style, relentless pressing, and eye for goal have made him a dream fit for Arsenal, who are in the market for a number nine capable of leading the line and offering a more direct goal threat.
The player has made it no secret that he wants to test himself in the Premier League, and his preference for Arsenal over other interested clubs, including Manchester United, has been noted. His decision to take a financial hit only strengthens his case as a team-first player and someone who is already endearing himself to the Arsenal faithful before even kicking a ball for the club.
With personal terms now all but agreed and the player doing everything in his power to facilitate the deal, the ball is firmly in Arsenal and Sporting’s court to finalise the transfer. Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta remains involved in the discussions, aiming to close the gap and secure one of the club’s top targets for the summer.
If completed, Gyökeres’ arrival would mark a significant addition to Arteta’s squad—one that could finally solve Arsenal’s long-standing striker dilemma.
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