Viktor Gyökeres - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are on the brink of completing a sensational move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, withESPN reporting that the Gunners are close to finalising a €65 million (£56m)deal for the prolific Swedish international.
The 27-year-old, who netted an extraordinary 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, is set to become Arsenal’s marquee signing of the summer as the club intensifies its push to end a 22-year Premier League title drought.
Negotiations have accelerated in recent days, with Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, travelling to Lisbon for direct talks with Sporting president Frederico Varandas and newly appointed sporting director Bernardo Palmeiro. Personal terms with Gyökeres have already been agreed for a five-year contract, and discussions are now focused on the structure of the fee, which could rise to €80 million with performance-based add-ons.
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Gyökeres has attracted strong interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus, but has made it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the striker turned down a lucrative £11 million-per-year offer from Juventus and even agreed to forgo €2 million in wages to help facilitate the move to North London. His agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has reportedly been in London to finalise the agreement with the club.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyökeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
The transfer saga has seen its share of complications. Despite a verbal agreement last summer allowing Gyökeres to leave for around €65m–€70m, Sporting initially demanded closer to €85m, well above the forward’s verbal valuation and short of his €100 million release clause. This impasse led to frustration from the player, who refused to return to pre-season training and pushed for a resolution.
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However, following a recent visit by an Arsenal delegation to Lisbon, both clubs have made significant progress. The proposed deal now includes a fixed €65 million fee with up to €15 million in add-ons, including €5 million based on appearances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made Gyökeres his top striker target after moving on from a potential deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Arteta values the Swede’s strength, finishing, and consistent scoring form in the Portuguese top flight, viewing him as the ideal fit to elevate Arsenal’s attack. Last season, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus forced Arteta to use midfielder Mikel Merino in a false nine role. Gyökeres is expected to bring the clinical edge Arsenal have been missing.
“Viktor Gyökeres is set to sign for Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon after a stellar campaign in Portugal,” ESPN reported, noting his remarkable scoring return of 97 goals in 102 matches since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023.
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