Arsenal have secured the signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to €73.5 million (£63.7 million), bringing an end to their long search for a new striker. The transfer, which includes €10 million in performance-related add-ons, marks a significant milestone in Mikel Arteta’s summer rebuild.
The final agreement was reached after prolonged negotiations, with both clubs initially unable to agree on the structure of the bonuses. Sporting insisted on achievable clauses tied to appearances, goals, assists, and Champions League qualification, while Arsenal pushed for more challenging conditions. At one point, Arsenal’s proposals included highly ambitious clauses such as Gyökeres winning the Ballon d’Or, which Sporting rejected. Ultimately, a compromise was reached late on Tuesday, with the add-ons satisfying Sporting’s demands.
Sporting initially demanded €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses, aiming for an €80 million package, though this was still below the €100 million release clause in Gyökeres’s contract. The final deal involves a base fee of €63.5 million, with Sporting benefiting further as the agents agreed to waive their 10% commission, effectively saving the Portuguese club €6.35 million.
Gyökeres, 27, had been determined to force the move to North London, refusing to return for pre-season training with Sporting despite interest from other European clubs. His impressive record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting made him Arsenal’s top target. Having joined the Portuguese giants for just £20.5 million from Coventry City in 2023, the Swedish striker’s meteoric rise has been remarkable, helping Sporting win consecutive league titles and lifting the Portuguese Cup last season.
This signing marks Arsenal’s fifth major acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke for a combined £118.5 million. The Gunners have been determined to strengthen their squad to challenge for major honors next season, with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta orchestrating a strategic spending spree.
Gyökeres’s arrival finally gives Arsenal a natural No. 9, an area Arteta has been eager to bolster. With his proven goal-scoring ability and physical presence, Gyökeres is expected to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League title and a deep Champions League run.
