Arsenal are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with the Portuguese club holding out for a €70 million up-front payment. While there is no definitive agreement between the clubs yet, there appears to be a mutual desire to finalize the deal.
Gyökeres has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract, signaling his strong preference for the move. The 27-year-old is said to be very enthusiastic about joining the Gunners and has even expressed a willingness to forego €2 million from his salary to facilitate negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting.
Arsenal's pursuit of Gyökeres comes after they ended their interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners reportedly found Leipzig's demands of around €80 million too high and had issues with the structure of the proposed deal, leading them to resume talks with Sporting for Gyökeres.
Since joining Sporting from Coventry in 2023 for around €24 million, Gyökeres has been incredibly prolific, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances. In the 2024-25 season alone, he scored 54 goals in 52 games, helping Sporting win the Portuguese league and cup double. His impressive performances have made him one of Europe's most sought-after players.
Sporting are already considering potential replacements for Gyökeres, with Almeria striker Luis Javier Suarez reportedly being a target. This suggests that the Portuguese club are anticipating Gyökeres' departure and are making plans for the future.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing for the deal to be completed quickly so that Gyökeres can join the team for pre-season training. Arsenal are keen to add a new striker to their squad before their pre-season tour of Asia on July 19.
Gyökeres' potential move to Arsenal would mark his return to English football, having previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City. He scored 43 goals for Coventry in two and a half seasons before moving to Portugal.
Arsenal have already made some significant signings this summer, including Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. They are also expected to announce the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford soon.
