Arsenal have been in hot pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres all summer, but one Premier League legend believes the Swede would be worth the wait
10:45, 10 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting his team's victory following the Portuguese Cup final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal
Viktor Gyokeres has been chased by Arsenal all summer(Image: 2025 Eurasia Sport Images)
Alan Shearer believes there's "no doubt" Viktor Gyokeres will be prolific if he joins Arsenal after he rejected Manchester United.
The Swedish striker has been rumoured to be on his way to the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer. Andrea Berta, the Gunners' sporting director, recently jetted off to Portugal in an attempt to negotiate a deal with Sporting CP for Gyokeres, although it's understood that a move for the forward is currently hanging in the balance.
He remains the top target for the north London club, having already turned down an approach from United, despite his former manager Ruben Amorim being at the helm of the Red Devils. This would have been a huge blow for the United boss, as his former star man has seemingly chosen to prioritise a move to the Gunners, over a reunion with him, despite the great work they did with each other at Sporting.
Mikel Arteta's team have been on the hunt for a No. 9 for nearly two seasons, having previously been linked with Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. However, Gyokeres is believed to be the priority, with personal terms already settled between Arsenal and the Scandinavian player.
If a deal does materialise, Shearer believes the 27-year-old is certain to find the back of the net in the Premier League. When questioned if he is the right fit for Arsenal, Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast: "Yeah, that's what they need.
"We've been saying it and it's what they needed last summer. When you look at his numbers over the last couple of years, they are outstanding. They are off the charts good. They are such impressive numbers. That's exactly what Arsenal have needed.
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"There is no doubt, in that team, he will score goals. That's what their fans have demanded and needed, so they will be a huge threat as well."
Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP, Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between Sporting CP and Atalanta at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 6, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal
Gyokeres turned down the opportunity to reunite with Amorim(Image: Photo by Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
For the third year on the trot Arsenal secured second place last season. They trailed 10 points behind eventual champions Liverpool last season, who also netted 17 more goals than them in the Premier League.
Gyokeres is viewed as the missing piece for the Gunners, who boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League last season. He has racked up 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 appearances for Sporting, leading them to two consecutive Primeira Liga titles and one Taca de Portugal.
His performance last season was his most remarkable yet, with 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 appearances. However, reports from Portugal suggest a deal is teetering on the edge of collapse due to negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 09, 2025 in London Colney, England
Arteta has been bolstering his squad(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
It appears that Arsenal and Sporting are finding it difficult to agree on a price for the towering forward. Record reports a €5m (£4.3m) discrepancy between the valuation of Gyokeres by the two clubs.
The Gunners are reportedly prepared to offer a package of €65m (£56m) plus future payments of €5m (£4.3m) and €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons, while Sporting are demanding €70m (£60m) upfront. Arsenal have already confirmed the signings of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The north Londoners have also completed the signing of Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. In addition to Gyokeres, they are reportedly still in negotiations with Chelsea for versatile winger Noni Madueke, with whom they have already agreed personal terms according to reports from the Athletic.
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