Arsenal appears to have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of a new striker, with reports indicating a verbal agreement has been reached with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Gyokeres has given the green light for a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, bringing the Gunners one step closer to securing a prolific goal-scorer for the upcoming season.
The Swedish international has caught the attention of clubs across Europe following a sensational season with Sporting. Gyokeres has scored a remarkable 54 goals and added 12 assists in just 52 appearances, underlining his status as one of the most lethal forwards currently in the game. His performances have earned him the label “unstoppable,” and Arsenal’s interest reflects manager Mikel Arteta’s ambition to bolster his attacking options this summer.
Despite being linked with a range of top forwards including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, it now seems Arsenal may have found a viable and available alternative in Gyokeres. Sporting is reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €65 million (£55 million) for the striker—significantly less than Sesko’s rumoured €80 million (£67 million) release clause.
While the Gunners are still evaluating their options, Gyokeres’ willingness to join the club adds a layer of urgency and possibility to the deal. Arsenal is known to be in active discussions regarding other targets, with Sesko still viewed as a primary option. However, the clarity and progress in negotiations with Gyokeres could prompt a shift in strategy.
Tavolieri broke the news on social media, stating that Gyokeres has given verbal confirmation of his interest in the move. This comes at a time when Arsenal is determined to bring in a reliable frontman to complement their talented but inconsistent forward line. Despite strong performances from the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, neither has delivered the volume of goals needed to challenge consistently for top honours.
The north London club’s pursuit of a new striker is rooted in their broader strategy to elevate the squad to genuine title contenders. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League trophy last season, Arteta is aiming to address specific gaps—most notably in front of goal. The addition of a clinical finisher like Gyokeres could provide the cutting edge Arsenal lacked in key matches.
Although no official bid has been submitted at this stage, the mutual interest signals that talks could escalate quickly. With the summer transfer window officially opening soon, Arsenal fans will be watching closely as developments unfold. Whether the Gunners decide to press forward with Gyokeres or wait on other targets will depend on how negotiations progress in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Arsenal’s transfer team is keeping multiple options on the table. Even with a verbal agreement from Gyokeres, the decision to finalise a deal will hinge on internal priorities, competition from rival clubs, and budget considerations. Still, the striker’s interest in joining the club marks an encouraging development in Arsenal’s summer plans.