Arsenal have taken a major step in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest strikers, Viktor Gyökeres, by reaching a full contract agreement with the Swedish forward. With personal terms reportedly agreed upon, the North London giants now find themselves in tense negotiations with Sporting CP over the final transfer fee, aiming to seal the move before the preseason intensifies.
The 26-year-old striker lit up the 2024/25 campaign with a phenomenal haul of 54 goals in all competitions, instantly placing him among the most lethal finishers in Europe. It is understood that Arsenal have offered Gyökeres a five-year contract that will see him earn more than £200,000 per week—underscoring the club’s determination to secure his signature.
Sporting, however, are holding firm on their valuation. Despite Gyökeres’ eagerness to move to the Premier League and his belief in a prior gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave for around £60 million, the Portuguese club are demanding closer to £70 million. This fee includes a mandatory £60 million upfront, with the rest structured through achievable add-ons.
This stalemate has not deterred Arsenal. The club remains optimistic that the deal will go through, especially with the player pushing for the move. Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Arsenal are ramping up efforts to finalize the agreement before the start of preseason, with the ambition to make Gyökeres their new No. 9.
The potential signing is also viewed as a bold opening statement from Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta. The former Atletico Madrid executive has wasted no time reshaping the club’s transfer priorities. Initially focused on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, Berta pivoted toward Gyökeres after the Leipzig striker proved elusive.
Berta and manager Mikel Arteta are reportedly aligned in their assessment of Gyökeres. Despite playing in the less competitive Primeira Liga, the striker’s blend of athleticism, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing has convinced Arsenal’s hierarchy that he can seamlessly transition to the rigors of the Premier League.
Gyökeres’ rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. After stints with Brighton and Coventry City, he exploded at Sporting, scoring 97 goals in just 102 appearances. His ability to consistently find the net, coupled with his work rate and physicality, has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe this summer.
His arrival would add significant firepower to an Arsenal side that, despite their progress under Arteta, has struggled to find a dependable striker capable of leading the line throughout an entire season. The expectation is that Gyökeres would immediately compete for a starting spot and possibly become the face of the club’s new era in attack.
Arsenal’s summer business, however, extends beyond Gyökeres. The club has already bolstered their midfield by bringing in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million. The Spaniard is tipped to be a long-term anchor in the heart of midfield, offering composure, vision, and tactical discipline.
In goal, Arsenal have secured a deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, providing experienced competition and cover. Defensive reinforcements are also on the agenda, with talks ongoing for Valencia’s highly rated centre-back Cristhian Mosquera in a deal estimated around £25 million.
The Gunners have not stopped there. Negotiations are progressing with Brentford over Danish midfielder Christian Nørgaard, a potential £15 million signing who could offer versatility and depth in multiple midfield roles.
Despite the spending spree, Arsenal are still interested in recruiting a wide forward. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remains a dream target for the club, though the potential financial outlay required may force Arsenal to consider outgoing transfers before launching a formal bid.
In that regard, both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have reportedly attracted interest from Saudi Pro League sides. While no formal offers have materialized yet, Arsenal could be tempted to sell if the price is right and if it enables them to finance more marquee signings.
Elsewhere, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has emerged as another option. The England U21 international is believed to be open to a new challenge, and Arsenal’s technical staff see him as a raw but high-upside addition—if assurances about playing time can be agreed upon.
One emerging concern for Arsenal, however, is the contract situation of 18-year-old academy prodigy Ethan Nwaneri. With just a year left on his deal and increased interest from other Premier League sides like Chelsea, Arsenal face a tough battle to keep the talented midfielder in their ranks.
There’s an internal belief that Nwaneri could blossom into a future starter, but he reportedly wants a clearer development pathway. While negotiations are ongoing, the risk of losing him for a nominal fee next summer is growing, putting pressure on the club to act decisively.
As Arsenal juggle multiple transfer fronts, the deal for Gyökeres remains the crown jewel of their summer strategy. With the player eager, personal terms agreed, and preseason just around the corner, all that remains is for Sporting to soften their stance—or for Arsenal to meet their price.
If this transfer crosses the finish line, it would signal a new level of ambition from Arsenal as they gear up to challenge both domestically and in Europe. The Gyökeres saga is reaching its climax, and Arsenal fans will be hoping the next chapter begins with the unveiling of their new goal machine at the Emirates.