Viktor Gyökeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has gained fresh momentum, with the Portuguese club reportedly ready to resume serious negotiations within the next 48 hours, according toThe Mirror’s John Cross.
The renewed talks follow a brief cooling-off period imposed by Sporting after a stalemate over the transfer fee for the 27-year-old Swedish international. Despite previous frustrations, both clubs are now expected to re-engage in discussions as they seek to finalise a deal for one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
Gyökeres has been at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wish list this summer, as Arsenal aim to add a clinical No. 9 ahead of the 2025/26 season. Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, the striker has scored a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances, including 54 goals in 52 games last season, a tally that features a standout Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
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Negotiations previously stalled over the fee structure, with Sporting demanding €70 million (£60.2 million) plus €10 million (£8.6 million) in add-ons, while Arsenal’s latest bid came in at €65 million (£56 million) with €15 million (£12.9 million) in bonuses. The impasse led Sporting president Frederico Varandas to pause talks, sparking reports of frustration from Gyökeres, who was said to be willing to go on strike to force through a move.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyökeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, The Mirror now reports that both sides are aligned on a total valuation of €80 million (£69 million), though the structure remains a sticking point, Arsenal favouring lower upfront payments with larger performance-based add-ons, while Sporting demand a higher guaranteed sum.
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The Gunners are keen to conclude the deal before their pre-season tour of Asia kicks off on July 19, with Arteta eager to integrate his new striker in matches against Milan, Newcastle, and Tottenham. Gyökeres, who has been allowed to delay his return to Sporting’s training camp, has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal and reportedly gave up €2 million (£1.7 million) in wages to push the move forward.
Sporting, meanwhile, are preparing for life after Gyökeres, having signed Romulo Cardoso as his replacement. Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has cooled due to disagreements over fees and personal terms, leaving Gyökeres as Arteta’s primary target to lead the line in the club’s push for Premier League glory.
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