Arsenal on Verge of Landing Viktor Gyokeres in Big-Money Deal

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with final details of the deal now falling into place. A full agreement is almost over the line, with the Gunners set to pay €63.5 million (£54.8m) upfront, plus another €10 million (£8.6m) in performance-related add-ons. Crucially, the striker’s agent has waived his commission to help make the transfer happen, smoothing what had become a tense negotiation process.

The saga has dragged on for weeks, with complications stemming from Sporting president Frederico Varandas refusing to honor what Gyokeres believed was a gentleman’s agreement — to allow him to leave for €60m plus €10m in bonuses. Arsenal’s offer actually goes beyond that total, yet Varandas initially held firm. Now, with formal terms being discussed, the deal appears set to be completed. 

Agreement in principle reached for Viktor Gyokeres move from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal. Deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m add-ons & Sweden striker’s representative waives fee to help facilitate 27yo making #SportingCP to #AFC switch @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/sL5lKu4oPS

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 13, 2025

An interesting twist to the negotiations is that no agent commission will be paid, which is highly unusual in modern football. That decision means Sporting will receive more money directly from the transfer. If Arsenal had met the original €70 million valuation and paid agent fees, Sporting would’ve pocketed closer to €63 million. But under the current arrangement, they’ll actually end up with slightly more, as intermediaries are cut out entirely. 

Behind the scenes, things have grown increasingly frosty between Gyokeres and Sporting. The Swedish striker made it clear he wanted to join Arsenal, but Sporting were in no rush to let go of a player who scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, helping them secure both the league and cup. Gyokeres, frustrated with the delay, skipped pre-season activities in a clear sign he was ready to push for a move. The club even threatened disciplinary action unless he had a valid excuse for his absence. 

That stand-off now looks to be at an end. Gyokeres is finally getting the move he’s longed for, and he becomes Arsenal’s fourth addition of the summer. He’ll join midfielders Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard from Brentford, as well as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made the switch from Chelsea. The Gunners have also agreed a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. 

Off the pitch, Arsenal are working to secure their future, too. Talks are progressing over a new deal for promising youngster Ethan Nwaneri, despite interest from Chelsea and several German clubs. Nwaneri is expected to follow fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly in committing his future to the north London side.