Arsenal Closing In on Viktor Gyökeres Transfer as Talks Advance in PortugalArsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing the long-anticipated signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, as the club intensifies efforts to secure a top-class centre-forward ahead of the new season.
The Gunners have made bolstering their attack a key priority this summer, and it now appears that their pursuit of Gyökeres is entering its final stages.
According to a report from CNN Portugal, Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, personally traveled to Portugal late last week to hold direct negotiations with Sporting CP in an attempt to finalize the deal.
Gyökeres, who enjoyed a standout season with Sporting, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with growing concerns within the Portuguese club that the player might resort to drastic measures to force through a move.
As previously reported by The Sun, Sporting officials feared Gyökeres could go on strike if progress was not made.
In light of the ongoing negotiations, the striker has now been granted extended leave from Sporting’s pre-season preparations, a clear indication that discussions are reaching a critical point.
Despite Arsenal’s persistence, Sporting remain firm in their valuation of the player.
The Portuguese club are demanding £68.9 million (€80 million) for the 26-year-old, a significant increase from the £20 million they paid Coventry City just two years ago.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have put forward a proposal of £56 million upfront, supplemented by an additional £8.6 million in performance-related add-ons—bringing the total package to around £64.6 million.
While an agreement has not yet been reached, sources close to the deal suggest that Arsenal are ultimately expected to meet Sporting’s full asking price, especially with manager Mikel Arteta keen to have Gyökeres integrated into the squad ahead of their pre-season tour to Singapore, which begins on July 19.
Adding a further twist to the negotiations, Portuguese outlet Record has reported that Gyökeres himself is so eager to complete the move that he is willing to contribute financially.
The striker is allegedly prepared to pay £1.7 million (€2 million) out of his own pocket to help bridge the gap and satisfy Sporting’s demands.
The Sweden international has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester United, and had previously flourished under current Sporting manager Rúben Amorim.
However, Arsenal now appear to be in pole position to secure his signature.
If the deal is finalized, Gyökeres would bring physicality, pace, and a proven goalscoring record to the Emirates—a potential game-changer for a side looking to mount a serious title challenge in both the Premier League and Europe next season.-
