Viktor Gyokeres, the striker tearing up the Primeira Liga, has finally responded to speculation that he will head to Arsenal for big money. The 26-year-old has been one of the most discussed forwards in Europe this term, having netted 29 goals and contributed 10 assists in the top division of Portugal with Sporting CP. Of course, that sort of form has caught the attention of a few European heavyweights — and Arsenal, who have struggled for a consistent finisher, have been circling closely.
Arsenal are lining up Gyokeres as one of their top summer transfer targets. Gabriel Jesus has been fluffing his lines, and Kai Havertz plays primarily as a hybrid forward. The Gunners want a more traditional No.9—someone swift, powerful, and lethal in the box. Gyokeres ticks all those boxes.
But, so far, the striker himself has kept his own counsel during the speculation — until now. Speaking to Portuguese media this week, Gyokeres said: “Right now, I’m focused on the national team and finishing the season strong. I see the rumours, but I don’t let them distract me. Whatever happens, happens.”
Viktor Gyokeres is a winner. The type of profile and striker we need at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/D2lh9LmYc3
That isn’t concrete confirmation about anything, of course, but does suggest the forward knows about the interest and is keeping his head amid the attention — something Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will certainly appreciate.
Sporting CP still being unwilling to sell, though. Gyokeres’ buy-out clause is €100m (£85m), and the club will not entertain, reports Colossus Bet the idea of doing business for much less than that. Arsenal, who have the means to do so, are understood to be haggling over a fee in the region of £60-65 million.
Sporting’s stance from president Frederico Varandas is firm — no cut-price deals. Sporting CP know Gyokeres is a wanted man, and if no club activates his full release clause, they may decide to keep their star for another season. It remains for Arsenal to hold up their side of the bargain.
The Gunners, however, are playing it closer to the chest. They have also been connected to other forwards, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. But with those deals appearing harder to execute and expensive, Gyokeres represents the most realistic high-impact option.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, is talking with Gyokeres’ representatives. There is talk behind-the-scenes at the Emirates that the club will go for it if the first discussions go well. I doubt they pay up front either – possibility of swap deal or staged payments.
🚨 Napoli are ready to battle it out with Arsenal to sign Sporting Lisbon’s £67m-rated striker Viktor Gyokeres.
(Source: Sunday Mirror) pic.twitter.com/VKl1CvAV9J
Timing will be crucial. Approaching Euro 2024 and Gyokeres’ stock could rise further if he shines on the international stage. Arsenal will have to move quickly, though, in order to prevent a summer bidding war with other top clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan, both of whom have also shown interest.
Gyokeres is undoubtedly too good for League One and is ready to make the step up. The features of his profile — he’s strong, he’s mobile, he’s sensible — sit more or less exactly where Arsenal want them when it comes to the front line. But with Sporting insisting and other top clubs hovering, this is not a transfer Arsenal can afford to protract.
The Gunners should go, but not unless they’re sure Gyokeres is the man to lead the line in the long-term. At £85 million, it’s a big investment. If Arteta and Andrea believe he fits their system, they must act decisively—not reactively. Otherwise, they risk missing out yet again, just like with Mykhailo Mudryk or Dusan Vlahovic.
Time does not stand still in football’s fast lane and it should not stand still for Arsenal. If they want to rekindle their frontline fire, Gyokeres could be the catalyst — providing they get the job done while the iron is hot. Waiting might simply leave the crown to someone else.
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