Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s prolific Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, in what could become one of the most significant deals of their summer transfer window. With the new Premier League season rapidly approaching, the club is accelerating efforts to secure a proven goalscorer who can lead their front line.
The 27-year-old Gyokeres has emerged as the Gunners’ top attacking target, thanks to his extraordinary scoring record in Portugal. Since moving from Coventry City to Sporting two years ago, Gyokeres has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances, helping the club secure back-to-back Primeira Liga titles. His performances have drawn attention across Europe, including from Juventus, but Arsenal are now firmly in pole position.
Talks are progressing quickly over both personal terms and a transfer fee. However, negotiations have been complicated by reported internal friction between the player and Sporting’s hierarchy. Gyokeres is said to have been frustrated by the club’s reluctance to honour what he believed was a gentleman’s agreement to allow his departure for €60 million plus add-ons. Sporting, however, are holding out for a fee closer to £70 million.
Despite these hurdles, there is growing optimism that a deal will soon be struck. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is leading discussions, aiming to wrap up the transfer before the squad departs for pre-season tours in Singapore and Hong Kong, where they will face AC Milan, Newcastle, and Tottenham.
Gyokeres has been granted an additional four days of leave from Sporting’s pre-season, fuelling speculation that a resolution is imminent. Should the move go through, the striker would be expected to integrate quickly into Mikel Arteta’s plans, especially with early season clashes against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City on the horizon.
This potential signing comes hot on the heels of Arsenal’s acquisition of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60 million, signalling a determined push to build on last season’s momentum. While the Gunners have often controlled matches, they have at times lacked a clinical edge a gap Gyokeres is ideally suited to fill.
Known for his physicality, relentless pressing, and sharp finishing, Gyokeres fits the mold of a modern centre-forward who can thrive in Arteta’s high-tempo, possession-heavy system. After a previous stint in England with Brighton that yielded no senior appearances, he returns with a point to prove.
Arsenal fans will be hopeful that Gyokeres can replicate his form from Portugal and become the missing piece in their title challenge puzzle. With the deal nearing completion, anticipation continues to build in North London.
