Talks are reportedly moving forward, and the Sporting CP attacker has been strongly linked to a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal all summer.
There has been a development in Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, a forward for Sporting CP and Sweden.
Having previously been linked to Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Hilal after an outstanding 2024–25 season in Portugal in which he scored 54 goals in 52 games, Gyokeres, 27, seemed set to join Arsenal.
According to reports on Sunday, the Swede was on the verge of signing a contract worth over €80 million (£69 million), making him the most expensive Swedish player ever, surpassing Alexander Isak and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Despite being in advanced negotiations, Arsenal and Sporting CP had not yet agreed on a precise transfer fee, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
However, since the player is prepared to join the Premier League team, it is unlikely that they will disagree on personal conditions.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano even asserted that Gyokeres was prepared to forgo his personal funds in order to make a move.
“Viktor Gyökeres has consented to forfeit €2 million of his salary to help Arsenal and Sporting negotiate,” Romano said.
“Gyökeres does his best and sacrifices money to make it happen, but Sporting insists on a higher fee than Arsenal’s proposal.”
According to a story published by the Portuguese publication Record on Tuesday, “The Swede is already ready for the worst, but hopes that the deal with Arsenal will be closed in the next few hours.” He acknowledges that he might compel a loan at the end of the market and says he does not want to rejoin the team.
The outlet went on to say: “Gyokeres intends to ‘take the conflict to new levels’ if the line between Sporting and Arsenal finally breaks, leading to a transfer collapse.”
Gyokeres is anticipated to resume preseason training on July 11, one day prior to the Sporting CP team’s trip to the Algarve for a training camp, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Gyokeres would join Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal if he signs. Zubimendi recently inked a five-year contract after Arteta’s team fulfilled his £51 million release clause in March.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, a former goalkeeper for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bournemouth, has also joined Arsenal, while Christian Norgaard, a midfielder for Brentford, and Cristhian Mosquera, a center-back for Valencia, are also rumored to be joining the Gunners.
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