Arsenal have taken a huge step forward in their search for a new striker, having reached an agreement in principle to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon. The deal is expected to be worth €63.5 million in guaranteed payments, with an additional €10 million in performance-based add-ons. The total package could rise to €73.5 million, making it one of Arsenal’s biggest transfer moves of the summer.
The 27-year-old Sweden international has been a top target for the Gunners throughout the window, with Mikel Arteta determined to bring in a reliable and physically dominant centre-forward. After weeks of negotiations and speculation, this agreement represents a breakthrough, and signals Arsenal’s intent to build on last season’s title challenge by adding more cutting edge up front.
Crucially, Gyökeres’ representatives have played an important role in helping push the move over the line. In a significant gesture, the player’s agent has agreed to waive his fee to help facilitate the move, underlining how strongly the player wants the transfer to happen. Gyökeres is said to be fully committed to joining Arsenal and is excited by the opportunity to lead the line at one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.
Sporting had initially been firm in their stance, reportedly demanding the full value of the striker’s release clause, which was understood to be around €100 million. However, Arsenal maintained persistent contact, and Sporting president Frederico Varandas was eventually convinced by a structured deal that brings in significant guaranteed funds and add-ons tied to Gyökeres’ performance.
Gyökeres enjoyed a sensational season in Portugal, scoring 43 goals across all competitions and providing a number of assists. His physicality, hold-up play, and ability to run in behind defenders made him a nightmare for opposition defences, and his form attracted interest from multiple European clubs. Arsenal moved swiftly to secure his signature once it became clear that RB Leipzig’s demands for Benjamin Šeško were proving too high and inflexible.
The striker’s arrival is expected to give Mikel Arteta a different profile of attacker compared to what he currently has at his disposal. With Gabriel Jesus often operating more as a creator and Kai Havertz deployed in multiple roles, Gyökeres offers a more traditional focal point, with proven goalscoring pedigree and the strength to lead the line alone in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup.
Gyökeres has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract and is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days. Should all go according to plan, Arsenal hope to announce the signing ahead of their pre-season tour.
This move marks another major addition to Arsenal’s squad as they look to go one better in the Premier League and mount a stronger challenge in Europe. With the striker now all but secured, attention will now turn to other areas, including the potential additions of a wide forward and central midfielder.
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