Sporting Lisbon have made it clear to interested clubs that Viktor Gyökeres will not be sold for less than €80 million (£67 million), amid growing speculation linking the prolific Swedish striker with a move to Arsenal. The Portuguese champions, while willing to entertain offers for their star forward, have set a firm price well below the player’s €100 million release clause but still substantial enough to reflect his outstanding contribution since arriving from Coventry.
Gyökeres joined Sporting in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £20.5 million and has since emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. In just over two seasons, he has scored an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions. His goal-scoring prowess has played a pivotal role in Sporting’s recent dominance of Portuguese football, with the club securing the league title in every season since his arrival, as well as adding the Portuguese Cup to their trophy cabinet in the most recent campaign.
The club’s vice-president, Francisco Zenha, has publicly stated that no formal offers have yet been received for the Sweden international, who remains under contract for another three years. This indicates Sporting’s desire to retain their key player unless a substantial bid matching their valuation materializes.
Arsenal, who are actively seeking a new centre forward ahead of the upcoming season, have been closely monitoring Gyökeres’ progress. The Gunners view him as a prime candidate to fill the No 9 role, especially given his proven track record of consistent goal-scoring. Alongside Gyökeres, Arsenal have also shown interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, though some targets such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak appear to be beyond their financial reach this summer.
Gyökeres’ rise has attracted admiration from several top European leagues, highlighting his reputation as a forward of exceptional quality. At 26 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career, and his ability to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency has made him a coveted asset. His combination of strength, pace, and clinical finishing has been integral to Sporting’s offensive success, making him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.
Sporting’s position on the transfer fee signals their intent to maximize their return on a player who has developed into a cornerstone of their team in a short span. Despite the high asking price, clubs understand that acquiring a forward of Gyökeres’ caliber and proven scoring record represents a significant investment but one that could transform their attacking options.
For Arsenal, securing Gyökeres would not only address their need for a reliable goal scorer but also inject fresh dynamism into their frontline. His scoring consistency in a competitive league like Portugal’s Primeira Liga suggests he could adapt well to the Premier League’s demands. However, the Gunners will need to weigh their options carefully, considering the financial outlay and competition from other interested clubs across Europe.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Sporting and Arsenal to see if negotiations progress. Gyökeres’ future could hinge on whether a club is willing to meet Sporting’s €80 million valuation for a player who has already established himself as one of the most exciting forwards on the continent. With his impressive goal tally and ongoing influence on Sporting’s successes, the Swedish striker remains one of the hottest names in the transfer market this summer.
