As Arsenal seeks for a new striker before the 2025/26 season, one name has increasingly grabbed headlines: Viktor Gyökeres. Leading the line for Sporting CP right now, the Swedish international has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe; Arsenal are reportedly in the thick of the race to obtain his signature.
With 66 goals in 69 appearances for the Portuguese side, Gyökeres has drawn the eye of Europe’s top teams, including the Gunners, who are focusing on a prolific attacker this summer.
Arsenal See Viktor Gyökeres as First Striker Target
Arsenal has made no secret of their interest in Gyökeres; sporting director Andrea Berta is apparently heading the drive for the 25-year-old. Following a season in which injuries and inconsistency tormented the Gunners’ offensive choices, strengthening the No. 9 post has become a top focus.
Sources close to Arsenal say the club is ready with a £60 million bid, a five-year contract, and performance-related bonuses. Although Sporting CP had originally set an asking price of £80 million, recent reports indicate they are now open to negotiating a fee closer to £65 million, thus making a trade more and more likely.
With off-the-ball intensity, physical presence, and clinical finish, Gyökeres’s all-action approach is perfect for the Premier League. His experience in English football during a previous spell with Coventry City enhances further attraction as Arsenal look for a forward able to quickly adjust to the punishing speed of the league.
Gyökeres Replies to Arsenal Transfer Speculations
Gyökeres spoke about the whirl of conjecture about his future following Sporting’s 3-1 triumph over Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final on Sunday. Celebrated still another title with the Lisbon club, the striker provided a measured but telling response.
🚨 Viktor Gyökeres on his future: “It’s impossible to say, we never know what happens in football”.
“Arsenal links? I don’t know anything. My focus was on the games. If the links were true then… we will see this summer”. pic.twitter.com/xyl2RhWF0U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2025
“It’s difficult for me to say since, yes, it is football, and you never know what’s going to happen during the summer,” he remarked. “I’ve been trying to concentrate on these final games; they were absolutely essential. I wanted to ignore all other thoughts. Therefore, yes, let’s look in the summer whether anything is true.”
Though ambiguous, the statement implies Gyökeres knows of the growing interest and is prepared to take on a fresh test. Many believe Arsenal to be among the top candidates to recruit him. The player’s desire for top-tier European football matches the club’s path.
Premier League opponents provide a threat to Arsenal
Arsenal are not the only ones working really for a contract. Manchester United and other leading teams across Europe are also keeping tabs on Gyökeres. But Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta—buoyed by a second-place Premier League finish and Champions League hopes—may prove decisive in persuading the striker.
With internal confidence rising that a deal may be achieved before pre-season, the North London team has already started tentative negotiations. Viktor Gyökeres seems the striker Arsenal have been seeking—one with Premier League readiness and strong work ethic in addition to reliable goal-scoring. Gabriel Jesus’s continuing fitness issues and the absence of other options with finishing power suggest Gyökeres may move in right away.
His addition would not only improve Arsenal’s goal output but also provide the kind of direct, aggressive forward play Arteta has occasionally lacked. Though rivals for his signature are intense, the Gunners seem set to move early and boldly.
Should they be successful, Gyökeres might very well be Arsenal’s missing piece in their changing forward line—one able of converting promise into trophies.
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