Arsenal have taken a significant step toward signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the Premier League club believed to be in advanced negotiations for the Swedish forward. The Gunners are reportedly prioritising Gyokeres over other attacking options, including Benjamin Sesko, as they look to bolster their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Gyokeres has emerged as a prime target for Arsenal following his stellar campaign in the Portuguese top flight, where he scored 39 goals in just 33 league matches – the highest tally across Europe’s top ten leagues last season. Such an extraordinary return has placed the 26-year-old firmly on the radar of several elite clubs, but it appears Arsenal have taken pole position in the race for his signature.
Reports suggest that the North London side have already agreed personal terms with Gyokeres on a five-year contract. This development comes as the player himself pushes for a summer exit, reportedly frustrated by Sporting CP’s failure to honour a gentleman’s agreement to allow him to leave for a reduced fee.
Sporting, meanwhile, are said to be open to selling the striker, but only for a fair price. While they are not demanding the full value of his release clause, club president Federico Varandas is holding out for a fee that reflects Gyokeres’ current market value. The club has cited recent transfer deals involving players like Martin Zubimendi, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo as benchmarks to justify a strong valuation for the Portuguese league’s top scorer.
Gyokeres’ position appears to have hardened in recent days, with reports claiming that he has informed Sporting officials of his refusal to return for pre-season training. The striker is reportedly feeling betrayed and disillusioned by the club’s stance, which could further accelerate his exit.
For Arsenal, securing Gyokeres would represent a major coup in their ongoing efforts to find a consistent and prolific striker. Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled at times to convert dominance into goals, and adding a proven finisher of Gyokeres’ calibre could be the missing piece in their quest for silverware next season.
The club’s renewed focus on Gyokeres also appears to mark the end of their pursuit of RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko. Despite initial interest, the Gunners seem to have cooled their approach for the Slovenian forward in favour of a player who is more experienced and proven at a higher level.
As talks progress, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation that a deal for Gyokeres is close to completion, with hopes that the Swede can deliver the goals needed to propel the club to new heights.
