Viktor Gyokeres has told his closest family members that he is going to sign for Arsenal this summer after the Gunners stepped up the search for a proven No.9. Following months of tracking, talks and a more detailed statistical analysis, Arsenal suddenly see the deep-set black hair of the Swedish forward as the one to usher in the next phase of Mikel Arteta’s project.
Gyokeres is “excited” by the prospect of playing in the Premier League and thinks Arsenal could be the ideal club to join and progress while also challenging in the top flight, sources close to the player said. However, Sporting CP have stood firm on their asking price. The Portuguese club included a €100 million (£85 million) buy-out clause in his contract when they acquired him from Coventry City in 2023. How those aspects are defined will be key to how far and how fast a deal can progress.
Arsenal have submitted an initial offer for another forward option – Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres – and the Swede has reportedly told friends and family he’ll be moving to Arsenal this summer. (@MiguelDelaney) pic.twitter.com/3fsDf9Zxai
Arsenal structured their initial offer below the clause, but Sporting clarified that the transfer must either activate the full clause or come close enough to require honoring it with financial guarantees. Nothing has fallen apart yet, and all parties are optimistic. Gyokeres, for his part, has already told Sporting he is open to such a move, but it is up to Arsenal and Sporting to to reach an agreement.
Sporting manager Rúben Amorim, who nurtured Gyokeres to his best season yet last time, has reluctantly conceded defeat in his battle to keep the frontman. With the striker telling friends and family that he thinks the deal is close, Arsenal seem to be in the best position they’ve been at any point this summer.
Gyokeres had a breakthrough season in 2024–25 at Sporting, scoring 32 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He attracted interest from several clubs having done well in his few UEFA Europa League and national league outings, with Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich showing interest. However, Arsenal have remained the most persistent and tactically aligned suitor.
Mikel Arteta is after a burly but mobile forward who can hold the ball up, press from the front and contribute creatively in the final third. Gyokeres ticks all those boxes and along with that his injury record is another attractive aspect. At 26, he brings a combination of experience and room to grow, especially under a manager recognized for his tactical development.
🔴⚪️ | Viktor Gyokeres has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, according to @DiMarzio
Personal terms were agreed more than a month ago, as we reported. 🇸🇪 #AFC #Transfers pic.twitter.com/Z44FnemUxu
Sporting’s position is a defensive one, well aware that their financial health depends on selling their best players for as much as possible. Despite not discounting a late bid to convince Gyokeres to stay, the striker’s decision to speak with family about his intention to join Arsenal signals a clear personal preference.
Negotiations will likely accelerate next week. Arsenal plan to include performance-related add-ons to approach Sporting’s asking price while maintaining financial flexibility in the structure of the deal. The Gunners are also wary of Financial Fair Play restrictions but, with departures anticipated this summer, believe they can accommodate a marquee signing without going overboard.
If Arsenal secure the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, they will add a striker who fits almost perfectly into Arteta’s pressing, possession-centric system. His goal, assist, and physical fight capabilities in the Premier League make him a perfect upgrade to holding midfield options. That said, €100 million is still a pretty steep price tag.
For Arsenal, it will come down to weighing the upside of landing the player they want early against the possibility of overpaying in a narrow market. The club have had mixed results with big-money buys in the past, and any deal must be carefully structured.
Even so, the striker is making clear his willingness to move and the system requires a player of his type, and the stars are aligning. If Berta and the board at Arsenal can be smart in negotiations, this could be the missing piece in a squad that’s now ready to compete for all fronts in 2025–26.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
