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Arsenal are edging closer to signing Viktor Gyökeres after making a breakthrough in talks with Sporting Lisbon. The Premier League side is set to pay £55 million up front, with £7.4 million in add-ons, for the prolific Swedish striker.
The 27-year-old has agreed a five-year contract and could join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Asia later this week if the deal is finalised in time.
Gyökeres had skipped pre-season training with Sporting, prompting the club’s president Frederico Varandas to threaten disciplinary action. The forward had reportedly informed Sporting he wouldn’t return, as he looks to complete what he views as a dream move to the Emirates.
Sporting Stand Firm, But Arsenal Stay Cool
Sporting initially rejected Arsenal’s earlier bid of £60m and have been pushing for £60.4m plus £8.6m in add-ons. Varandas made it clear they wouldn’t be pressured into a sale, saying, “No one is above the interests of the club.”
Despite the tension, Arsenal remain confident. They believe personal terms with Gyökeres won’t be a problem and view the situation between player and club as a separate issue.
A Scoring Machine
Gyökeres has been in sensational form since his £20m move from Coventry to Sporting in 2023. In just two seasons, he’s scored 97 goals in 102 games — including 54 in all competitions last season alone. That tally featured a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League and helped Sporting to a league and cup double.
Before his time in Portugal, Gyökeres netted 43 times for Coventry and had short spells with St Pauli and Swansea during his time on Brighton’s books. He managed just one goal in eight appearances for the Seagulls.
The striker has been vocal about his desire to return to England and prove himself in the top flight after his underwhelming stint with Brighton.
Arsenal’s Busy Summer Continues
Gyökeres isn’t the only player on Arsenal’s radar. Talks are ongoing with Valencia over centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, while the club is also close to securing a new deal for 18-year-old winger Ethan Nwaneri.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is set to undergo a medical ahead of a £52m switch from Chelsea, and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is expected to be the next target.
Arsenal have already activated goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5m release clause, bringing him in from Chelsea as well.
With Gyökeres likely to be the club’s marquee forward signing, Mikel Arteta’s side are clearly building a squad capable of challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.
