Arsenal have identified Viktor Gyokeres as their top target to solve their striker woes, but a deal to sign the Sporting CP star has proven difficult to get over the line
10:15, 12 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal is moving closer(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres is a top priority on Arsenal's summer transfer wishlist.
The 27 year old netted 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting CP last season, making him the Gunners' prime target for the No.9 role as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his attacking line-up.
However, securing Gyokeres has proven tricky. Despite interest from Manchester United, the Swedish international has consistently expressed his preference for Arsenal throughout the summer.
Sporting, however, are ready to drive a hard bargain, demanding a substantial fixed fee, despite Gyokeres and his representatives asserting that a gentleman's agreement is in place. His agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, believes that Gyokeres can depart Sporting for £59m, having turned down transfer interest last summer.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP
Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly keen to join Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
As yet, no deal has been struck between Sporting and Arsenal, and the saga continues to unfold. With this in mind, here are the latest developments surrounding Gyokeres, as Football London reports.
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'Key day' in Gyokeres deal
Journalist Ben Jacobs has identified Saturday as a 'key day' in the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga.
Sporting have instructed Gyokeres, 27, to return to training today, after he missed the start of pre-season, having made his stance clear to the club throughout the summer. He has informed the Portuguese club of his desire to leave and secure a lucrative move to Arsenal.
However, a valuation gap currently exists, with Sporting informing Arsenal that they're after £60.6million as a fixed fee plus additional add-ons. The Gunners and Gyokeres have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, with all parties keen for a 'quick resolution'.
Sporting's strategy
This week, The Mirror reported that Sporting have chosen to 'pause talks' with Arsenal regarding a deal for Gyokeres.
The piece suggests that Sporting have made this decision due to the ongoing disagreement over the transfer fee for the striker. Arsenal are described in the report as remaining 'calm', confident that a deal to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium is still feasible.
Arsenal's position
Despite the hurdles, it's understood that Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal to secure Gyokeres this summer, as negotiations with Sporting persist.
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The Portuguese club are reportedly holding out for a total package worth around £70million, including an initial fee of €70million (£60million) with €10million (£8.6million) in add-ons.
The Gunners are believed to be only willing to offer an initial fee worth £56million plus a further £12.9million in add-ons based on performances and such.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has travelled to Lisbon to discuss a potential deal.