Arsenal Confident On a Deal For Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal seems to be closing in on their man. After months of scouting Europe’s best centre-forwards, the Gunners are now in advanced talks to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The Swedish international, who took Portugal by storm last season, has been one of Mikel Arteta’s top choices to lead the line.

The 27-year-old had an outrageous season, scoring 39 goals in just 33 league appearances. A stat that not only turned heads across Europe but also underlined why Arsenal have gone all-in on bringing him to the Emirates. According to multiple sources, a five-year deal between Gyökeres and Arsenal has already been agreed in principle. It is now just a matter of aligning on the final financial terms with Sporting. Personal terms also said to be agreed, what remains is the fee, and that’s where things get a little tense.

Player Growing Frustrated With Sporting’s Stance

Behind the scenes, things have started to get a bit messy. Gyökeres is reportedly frustrated, even feeling “betrayed and tired” by how Sporting has handled his potential exit. From his camp’s perspective, there had been an understanding, some kind of informal promise, that he would be allowed to leave this summer for a reasonable figure. That promise, it seems, has not been honored.

Sporting President Frederico Varandas has publicly stated that the club is open to letting Gyökeres go, but only if they want it too. Speaking recently, he said: “Sporting does not need to sell him, but we remain sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and any of our athletes. I can tell you that Viktor won’t leave for €60m plus €10m, he won’t, he just won’t.”

He went on to point out that they have watched other forwards with arguably less impact go for huge sums. For instance, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were involved in deals around €75m, and even Martin Zubimendi, a midfielder six months younger than Gyökeres, left for €65m. So it is clear Sporting wants a deal that reflects what they believe is the true market value of their star forward. But with the player growing increasingly tense and reportedly telling Sporting he has no plans to return for pre-season. Gyökeres wants the move. Arsenal wants the player. Now it’s down to both clubs to meet somewhere in the middle.

Arsenal’s No. 9 Search Narrows

Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-forward has been no secret. The Gunners have been linked to several strikers over the past year, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Still, it now appears that all focus has shifted towards Gyökeres, probably because of the 22-year-old‘s gigantic transfer fees.

Some reports have suggested there was a split in opinion behind the scenes. Mikel Arteta reportedly leaned towards Šeško, intrigued by his age and long-term potential, while Sporting Director Andrea Berta was firmly in the Gyökeres camp, preferring a proven goalscorer at his physical and technical peak.

With Leipzig being firm on Šeško’s price and the player now likely to stay another year in Germany, Arsenal have doubled down on the Sporting striker. Multiple outlets have claimed that the Gunners have an offer worth £55–60 million plus add-ons, which Sporting are currently considering. Despite interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and even Atletico Madrid, the North Londoners appear to be in the driver’s seat. Betting markets have already moved in their favour, making them odds-on favourites to secure his signature.

Why Gyökeres Is Perfect For the Gunners

For Arsenal, this wouldn’t just be another signing. It would be a statement. Gyökeres brings something the current squad hasn’t quite had for quite some time. A classic No. 9 with the size, aggression, and an instinct to bully Premier League defenses. He just might be the last piece to fill, helping Arsenal lift major trophies. 

At 27 years old, he is entering his prime years. He’s not a long-term project or a transitional squad player. He is someone who could walk into the starting XI and instantly start hitting. The Gunners haven’t had a striker this prolific since the days of prime Aubameyang, and while Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz have brought fluidity and link-up play, goals and consistency have sometimes been hard to come by in key moments.

Fans have already started to voice their excitement. One supporter posted, “Gyökeres is a proven goal scorer… man scored a hattie against City which gives me a lot of hope.” Another joked, “If we get Gyökeres, we’re cooking!” The sentiment is clear: Arsenal fans want this deal to happen, and soon.

Final Thoughts

With Arsenal and Gyökeres seemingly aligned, the final hurdle lies with Sporting CP. The Portuguese side has softened its stance on the €100m release clause and is now willing to negotiate, just not on the cheap. Time is of the essence, with pre-season coming up and the Gunners keen to integrate any new arrivals before the Premier League kicks off. The club’s hierarchy will need to stay patient, knowing the player is on their side.