Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Viktor Gyökeres after Sporting Lisbon demanded a guaranteed €70m (£60.2m) plus €10m in add-ons for the striker. The Portuguese champions rejected an initial approach from the Gunners worth €65m plus €15m in bonuses, but constructive dialogue has brought the two clubs close to an agreement.
Mikel Arteta has made signing a new No 9 his priority this summer and identified Gyökeres, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, as a target. With Sporting willing to sell for €80m – less than the striker’s €100m buyout clause – the move has gained momentum. Personal terms have already been agreed with the Sweden international, who is keen to join Arsenal.
Gyökeres, 27, has been a prolific scorer for Sporting since his £20.5m move from Coventry City in 2023, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances and helping the club to back-to-back league titles and the Portuguese Cup. He has three years remaining on his contract, and Sporting are intent on making him their record sale, surpassing the Bruno Fernandes deal with Manchester United.
Arteta hopes to finalise the transfer quickly, ideally before Arsenal depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday week. Gyökeres is due back for pre-season training on Friday, but Portuguese reports suggest he is reluctant to return as he pushes for the move.
Arsenal have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5m from Chelsea and Martín Zubimendi for £56m from Real Sociedad. They are also close to a deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard worth up to £15m and considering a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
