Arsenal Nearing Completion of Big-Money Move for Sporting’s Star Striker
Arsenal are on the verge of wrapping up a major summer signing, with a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres expected to be finalized within the next 24 hours. The Gunners have agreed to pay €73.5 million (£63.5 million), including add-ons, to secure the services of the prolific Swedish forward. If completed on schedule, Gyökeres will join the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.
Final Details Being Ironed Out
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Arsenal and Sporting CP have settled on the overall terms of the transfer, with only minor contractual details remaining. Both clubs are working around the clock to finalize the agreement swiftly.
The revised bid from Arsenal marks an improvement over their previous offer of €70 million (£60 million), reflecting the urgency and importance the North London club places on strengthening their attacking options.
Five-Year Deal Agreed with Gyökeres
Gyökeres, 27, has already agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with the Premier League side. His move comes after Arsenal shifted their focus away from RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, whose transfer proved difficult to finalize earlier this summer.
Sporting director Andrea Berta played a key role in pushing the deal forward, having traveled to Lisbon late last week to lead the discussions personally.
Striker Absent from Pre-Season Amid Transfer Speculation
Gyökeres has found himself at the center of off-field headlines as well, following his absence from Sporting’s pre-season training. Over the weekend, Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed the striker is facing disciplinary action for failing to report for duty, though the player has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Varandas addressed the issue firmly, telling Portuguese news agency Lusa, “No one is above the interests of the club.”
Gyökeres’ Stellar Record in Portugal
The Swedish international has been a revelation in Portugal, netting an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances over two seasons. Last season alone, he racked up 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions, helping Sporting lift two Primeira Liga titles. His prolific form caught the attention of several top European clubs, but it’s Arsenal who now appear poised to land the coveted striker.
Previously with Brighton and Coventry City, Gyökeres has steadily developed into one of Europe’s most lethal frontmen — a profile Arsenal hope will bolster their title ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
What’s Next?
If the remaining contractual formalities are resolved as expected, Gyökeres will officially become an Arsenal player within a day — just in time to join Mikel Arteta’s squad as they embark on their Asian pre-season tour. His arrival would mark a significant statement of intent from the Gunners as they look to build on last season’s title challenge.
