Arsenal’s summer transfer campaign is showing no signs of slowing, and the latest twist in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres underlines how serious both player and club are about making this deal happen. According to reports in Portugal, the Swedish striker has waived €2 million from his prospective salary to help Arsenal raise their fixed offer to Sporting CP to €65 million—part of a total package worth up to €80 million including bonuses.
This personal concession from Gyokeres reflects not only his eagerness to join the Gunners but also the complexities surrounding the negotiations. Sporting president Frederico Varandas had previously signaled that the Portuguese champions would not entertain bids structured at €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, insisting that a higher fixed sum was essential to even consider a deal.
Now, Arsenal’s revised offer reportedly meets that threshold—thanks in part to Gyokeres himself.
The striker has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top choice for the No. 9 role, with Arsenal aiming to add firepower after falling short in key moments last season. While much attention has focused on their high-profile captures of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and advanced talks with Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard and Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, it’s the pursuit of Gyokeres that has demanded the most delicate handling.
Sporting were thought to have a gentleman’s agreement with the player regarding his valuation, one that has seemingly shifted as interest grew. Varandas’ comments last month made it clear that Sporting no longer feel pressured to sell, and that they value Gyokeres higher than many of the Premier League forwards sold for £60-70 million in recent years. He cited examples like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as players who, in his view, fall short of Gyokeres’ level yet commanded hefty fees.
Crucially, Varandas acknowledged that while Sporting would be happy to keep the striker, they would not stand in the way of a move if a club met their valuation. Arsenal’s improved proposal appears to edge closer to that figure, and Gyokeres’ willingness to forgo part of his own earnings signals a rare commitment to joining a club he clearly sees as a perfect next step.
At 26, the former Coventry City striker is coming off a sensational season in Lisbon, scoring 43 goals across all competitions. His blend of physicality, technique, and relentless pressing fits seamlessly into Arteta’s system. While his goal tally turned heads, it’s his selfless, team-first mentality—evident in this latest gesture—that could make him a transformative presence in Arsenal’s attack.
The Gunners’ pursuit of Gyokeres also fits within a broader strategy this summer: strengthening every spine of the team with players entering their prime, and with the mindset to contribute immediately. With midfield and goalkeeping reinforcements already through the door and negotiations ongoing for Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo, Arsenal are sending a clear message—they are not just building for the future. They are gearing up to challenge now.
Whether Sporting ultimately accept the restructured €80 million package or continue to hold firm remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Viktor Gyokeres is doing everything within his power to make the move happen.
