Arsenal are in talks with Sporting CP and Sweden international striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been speaking about his dream of playing in the Premier League
12:45, 12 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a move to Arsenal
Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres heaped admiration for Bukayo Saka, fueling excitement as the Swedish goal-machine readies to possibly join forces with the Three Lions sensation at Emirates Stadium.
Talks between Arsenal and Sporting CP are still ongoing, with the 27-year-old striker's price tag inching towards £70million.
In an exclusive interview with France Football, Gyokeres gushed about which players leave him starstruck. When asked, the ex-Coventry marksman shouted out Saka alongside a couple of other Gunners stars he clashed with during the Champions League last season.
Gyokeres enthused: "Yes, definitely. Especially at English clubs. Midfielders like Bernardo Silva, [Mateo] Kovacic at Manchester City or Saka at Arsenal are impressive to watch.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is set to go on strike(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"I've also faced very high-level defenders, like Gabriel and [William] Saliba. It's a chance to play against those kinds of players."
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As negotiations continue, the Swedish centre-forward could be sparring with Gabriel and Saliba in Gunners' practice in no time.
On whether he envisioned himself starring in the Premier League, Gyokeres made it clear he'd relish an England return, stating: "It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP
Viktor Gyokeres has made an admission about Bukayo Saka(Image: Getty Images)
"I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it's something I'd like to do. It would be great revenge!"
Gyokeres has yet to make his mark in the top tier, despite a brief eight-match stint at Brighton, reports the Mirror.
However, having smashed an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, he has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta, who sees him as the perfect frontman for his Arsenal side.
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On Friday, Gyokeres was noticeably absent from Sporting's training session, as he attempts to push through his coveted move to the Gunners. With Sporting set to depart for a pre-season training camp in the Algarve, Gyokeres is not expected to join his teammates.
Instead, he has been waiting in Stockholm for news, convinced that he has played his final match for the Portuguese champions, having led them to a double in the 2024/25 season.