Sporting Lisbon have set a firm asking price of €70 million (£60.2 million) plus €10 million in add-ons for striker Viktor Gyökeres, after rejecting an initial Arsenal offer of €65 million plus €15 million. The clubs are now in constructive dialogue and close to finalising a deal that has been a priority for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Gyökeres, who has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since his £20.5 million move from Coventry City in 2023, has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and is determined to force through the transfer. The 27-year-old Sweden international is scheduled to return to pre-season training on Friday but is reportedly unwilling to attend, such is his desire to join the London club.
Arteta has made signing a new number nine his priority this summer, with Gyökeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko on his shortlist. Sporting have indicated they would sell for €80 million, less than his €100 million buyout clause, and have stood by that position throughout negotiations. The club's record sale remains Bruno Fernandes' move to Manchester United in January 2020 for €55 million plus €25 million in add-ons.
Arsenal have already completed deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5 million from Chelsea) and midfielder Martín Zubimendi (£56 million from Real Sociedad). They are also close to agreeing a £15 million deal for Brentford's Christian Nørgaard and are considering a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Arteta wants the Gyökeres deal wrapped up quickly, ideally before Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia starting next week.
