Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are edging closer to completing a blockbuster move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with negotiations reaching a critical stage, according to David Ornstein ofThe Athletic.
The 27-year-old Sweden international has emerged as one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards and is said to have prioritised a switch to the Emirates Stadium, with personal terms on a five-year deal already agreed. The deal now hinges on Arsenal and Sporting CP settling on a transfer fee, with discussions described as progressing positively.
The Gunners’ pursuit of Gyökeres reflects manager Mikel Arteta’s intent to strengthen the team’s attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal’s lack of a reliable No. 9 was exposed last season, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both sidelined at various points. Gyökeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games during the 2024/25 season, is seen as the ideal striker to help Arsenal close the gap on champions Liverpool, who finished 10 points clear.
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Sporting director Andrea Berta has played a key role in advancing talks. A long-time admirer of Gyökeres, Berta has been in contact with Sporting CP over a deal. While the Portuguese club originally held out for the striker’s €100 million (£84m) release clause, reports suggest they may now accept a fee in the region of £60–70 million. However, the structure of the deal, particularly the ratio of guaranteed payment to performance-related add-ons remains a key issue.
Viktor Gyökeres - Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Gyökeres has made clear his desire to join Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting that he did not report for pre-season training with Sporting on July 12, a move interpreted as a push to force through the transfer. According to sources close to the player, Gyökeres believes Sporting president Frederico Varandas broke a verbal agreement to allow him to leave for €60m plus €10m in add-ons, a sum Arsenal have already matched.
Sporting have responded by taking disciplinary action against the striker, with Varandas confirming that Gyökeres will be fined and required to apologize to his teammates. Still, the president has indicated that the situation is expected to be resolved before the close of the window, fuelling optimism that a deal is within reach.
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Since his arrival at Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 for around £20 million, Gyökeres has scored a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances. His performance has been highlighted by a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League and consistently dominant displays across domestic and European competitions.
Analysts have likened Gyökeres to a “battering ram”, praising his physical presence, tireless movement, and ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for others. SkillCorner data ranks him among Europe’s elite in terms of sprints behind defensive lines and wide-channel runs, underscoring his dynamic playing style.
Arteta is reportedly eager to finalise the deal quickly to integrate the forward before Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, as the Gunners aim to mount a serious title challenge in the coming campaign.
If completed, the transfer would represent a statement signing for Arsenal and a major step toward solving their long-standing striker dilemma.
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