Arsenal in Pole Position to Land Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal appear to be edging closer to their marquee striker signing of the summer, with reports suggesting they’re now in advanced negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over Swedish hitman Viktor Gyokeres. After months of speculation and a two-horse race between Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, it’s the prolific Sporting forward who looks set to lead the line for Mikel Arteta next season.

Due to talks with Sesko’s camp reaching an impasse, Arsenal have shifted their full attention to Gyokeres—someone new sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly been pushing for since arriving at the club. Berta’s preference seems to be winning out, with Sky Sports reporting that discussions between Arsenal and Sporting are now at an advanced stage. 

The 27-year-old had an incredible campaign last season, smashing in 54 goals in 52 appearances and continuing to cement his status as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers. Across all competitions since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has netted a staggering 97 goals in just 102 appearances. Those numbers haven’t gone unnoticed in north London. 

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Gyokeres is now Arsenal’s top transfer priority, and a five-year deal has already been agreed between the player and the Premier League runners-up. That agreement reportedly came after Gyokeres turned down a lucrative contract from Juventus worth around £11 million a year—evidence of just how keen he is to don the red and white of Arsenal. 

United’s Loss is Arsenal’s Gain 

The striker is also believed to have rejected interest from Manchester United, despite their desperate need for a consistent goal-scorer. The Red Devils had been eyeing Gyokeres as a potential solution to their attacking issues but are now focusing their efforts on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. 

From Gyokeres’ side, the desire to join Arsenal was clear. Reports suggest he’s been left frustrated with Sporting for going back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for a price well below his release clause. That tension, coupled with Arsenal’s willingness to pay close to the required fee, appears to have tipped the scales. Should the move be finalized soon, it could have a dramatic twist in store for the start of the new Premier League season—Gyokeres’ first league game for Arsenal might well come against none other than Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Arsenal fans will be hoping this is the summer their club finally brings in the elite striker they’ve long craved. And if the Gyokeres deal goes through as expected, the Gunners may just have found the missing piece to help them finally leap from second to first in the Premier League. 

Also Read: Jonathan David Set to Join Juventus on a Free After Lille Exit