Viktor Gyokeres Edges Closer to Dream Arsenal Move

Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker is heating up, and all signs now point toward Viktor Gyokeres becoming their man. Talks with Sporting CP have reached an advanced stage, and while there’s no final agreement yet, there’s genuine optimism that a deal is within touching distance.

The Gunners had initially set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but quickly backed off once they realized how steep the asking price was. That pushed them to focus fully on Gyokeres—a striker who’s not only in red-hot form, but also clearly desperate to make the move to north London. The 27-year-old Swede has made it no secret this summer: he wants to wear the Arsenal shirt. He’s even gone as far as putting parts of his salary on the line to make it happen. According to reports in Portugal, Gyokeres is willing to give up as much as €2 million just to help the two clubs reach a deal. That’s how badly he wants this transfer. 

Sporting, for their part, have taken notice. Although they’re still holding firm on their €80 million valuation, they’ve given Gyokeres permission to delay his return to pre-season training. While he was initially expected back on Monday, he’s now been told he can return on Friday—or maybe not at all if things move quickly. 

Gyokeres had a phenomenal season last year, scoring an eye-watering 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions. He tore it up in the Portuguese league and capped off his campaign with a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. Sporting ended the season with a league title and a domestic cup, and Gyokeres was at the heart of it all. 

Now, he looks ready for the Premier League. And for Arsenal fans, that’s exciting news. Bringing in a striker has been one of Mikel Arteta’s top priorities this summer, and Gyokeres ticks plenty of boxes—clinical, hard-working, and eager to prove himself in England again. Let’s not forget, he’s no stranger to English football, having had stints with Brighton, Swansea, and Coventry before his big move to Portugal. 

If all goes well, Gyokeres could be an Arsenal player in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, where the Gunners will face AC Milan, Newcastle, and bitter rivals Tottenham. He might even line up alongside fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi. And who knows—maybe his Premier League debut will come in a mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford, up against his former boss Ruben Amorim. 

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