Arsenal are making strong progress in negotiations to sign Sporting sensation Viktor Gyökeres, as the Gunners step up their pursuit of the prolific striker.
The Gunners are fully focused on landing prolific Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres as their marquee striker signing this summer, having also held discussions with RB Leipzig over long-term target Benjamin Šeško.
Reports have suggested a potential deal for Gyökeres worth an initial €65 million (£56m) plus €15 million in add-ons, but according to Standard Sport, Sporting are currently unwilling to accept that payment structure as negotiations remain ongoing.
Former Coventry star Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year deal that would keep him at the Emirates until 2030.
Viktor Gyökeres, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Juventus, is pushing for a move to the Emirates this summer. The Swedish striker is eager to leave Sporting and has been locked in a tense standoff with the Portuguese champions, with his camp reportedly furious over claims that Sporting may backtrack on a supposed £60m agreement to let him leave.
Media reports have hinted at a possible training ground strike, with Gyökeres potentially set to skip the start of pre-season on Monday to push through a move. Meanwhile, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has firmly denied the existence of any gentleman’s agreement, as tensions continue to rise in a public war of words with the striker’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya.
Since his £20m move from Coventry to Sporting two summers ago, Viktor Gyökeres has been on fire in Portugal — racking up an astonishing 97 goals and 28 assists in just 102 appearances. Last season alone, he netted 54 times in 52 games, securing the prestigious Bola de Prata as the league’s top scorer for the second year running.
The ex-Brighton and Swansea striker, who is under contract with Sporting until 2028, has been lethal in the Portuguese league, scoring 68 goals in just 66 appearances. On the international stage, he’s also impressed with 15 goals in 26 caps for Sweden, where he lines up alongside fellow Arsenal target and Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
Arsenal are determined to land a top-class striker this summer, following a campaign where injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz left them without a natural No. 9 for much of the crucial run-in. After another season full of promise but short on silverware, the Gunners are eager to add firepower to finally turn potential into trophies.
Head coach Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are actively working on strengthening the squad across multiple positions, with their intent made clear on Sunday following the confirmed £51m capture of Spanish midfield maestro Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal have also wrapped up a £5m deal with Chelsea for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, while holding talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The Gunners remain interested in high-profile names like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon as they continue to explore attacking reinforcements.
Arsenal have set their sights on another Chelsea talent in Noni Madueke, while also pushing to finalise a deal with Valencia for highly-rated 21-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
