Arsenal Makes Major Breakthrough in Viktor Gyokeres Pursuit

Arsenal secured Sporting CP’s star striker in a €73.5m deal, as Gyokeres commits to a five-year contract

Arsenal have secured a major transfer coup, reaching a full agreement with Sporting CP for prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners will pay €63.5 million (£54.8m) plus up to €10 million (£8.6m) in add-ons for the 27-year-old Sweden international, addressing their urgent need for a clinical No. 9 ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished second last season, 10 points behind Liverpool, struggled with inconsistent goal-scoring, which was exacerbated by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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Gyokeres, with 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since City in 2023, is set to transform Arsenal’s attack. His 54 goals in 52 games last season, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City, highlight his elite scoring ability.

Negotiations were challenging. Sporting initially demanded over €70 million and rejected a reported €60 million “gentleman’s agreement.” Tensions escalated when Gyokeres refused to report for pre-season training, prompting threats of disciplinary action from Sporting’s president.

Arsenal’s persistence, combined with Gyokeres’ agent waiving his commission, led to a breakthrough. The striker has agreed to a five-year contract worth €8 million net annually, with a medical scheduled in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour.

Manchester United try to hijack Gyokeres deal.

Despite late interest from Manchester United, led by Gyokeres’ former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim, and lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, the Swede remained committed to Arsenal.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed, “Gyokeres only wanted Arsenal, rejecting all other proposals.” His physicality, work rate, and clinical finishing will add a new dimension, but he may need to adjust to Arsenal’s possession-based style.

Gyokeres joins a revamped Arsenal squad that already includes Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke, with a deal for Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera nearing completion.

With the Premier League kicking off on August 17 against Manchester United, Gyokeres’ arrival signals Arsenal’s intent to challenge for the title. His desire for success in England, fueled by a previous stint at Brighton, could be crucial in ending their long-standing title drought.