Arsenal Reach Contract Agreement with Viktor Gyökeres as Transfer Negotiations with Sporting Continue


Arsenal Reach Contract Agreement with Viktor Gyökeres as Transfer Negotiations with Sporting Continue

Arsenal are edging closer to securing the services of Viktor Gyökeres, with the club having reportedly finalized personal terms on a five-year contract with the prolific Sporting CP striker. The North London side is now locked in negotiations with the Portuguese club to settle on a final transfer fee, as they continue their aggressive push to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Gyökeres, who enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 season with an eye-catching total of 54 goals across all competitions, is expected to earn in excess of £200,000 per week should the deal go through. The agreement would represent a major coup for Arsenal, who are aiming to take a definitive step forward in their pursuit of domestic and European silverware.


Sporting Hold Firm on Valuation Despite Player’s Exit Expectations

Despite the personal terms being settled, Sporting CP remain firm in their financial demands. The Portuguese club are reportedly insisting on a total fee approaching £70 million, including a mandatory £60 million payment upfront, with the remainder structured through performance-related add-ons.

Gyökeres is said to be eager to join Arsenal and believes there was a “gentleman’s agreement” in place allowing him to depart for a fee of around £60 million. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly denied the existence of any formal release clause, leaving the final outcome dependent on the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the two clubs.

Arsenal are working to finalise the deal swiftly, with a growing sense of confidence that Gyökeres will soon be unveiled as the club’s new No. 9.


A Statement Signing for Arsenal’s New Sporting Director

Bringing in Viktor Gyökeres would mark a major statement of intent from Arsenal’s recently appointed sporting director Andrea Berta. The former Atletico Madrid executive has identified the Swedish striker as a transformative addition to Mikel Arteta’s front line.

Berta is believed to have made Gyökeres his top forward target this summer, overtaking RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, who Arsenal had attempted to sign on multiple occasions—including a renewed effort earlier in the current window, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Gyökeres, formerly of Coventry City and Brighton & Hove Albion, has exploded into one of Europe’s most feared goal scorers while at Sporting, with 97 goals in 102 appearances. Nonetheless, some within the football community remain cautious about whether his prolific form in the Primeira Liga can translate effectively to the Premier League.

Still, Berta and Arteta are said to be united in their belief that Gyökeres possesses the physicality, intelligence, and finishing ability to thrive in England. The goal is to integrate the striker into the squad before the start of preseason.


Arsenal Continue Their Summer Overhaul

The pursuit of Gyökeres is part of a broader and ambitious summer recruitment drive at the Emirates. Arsenal recently completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51 million deal. The 26-year-old is viewed as a long-term solution in midfield and is expected to play a central role in Arteta’s tactical setup.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has also joined the club from Chelsea, adding experienced depth to the squad. Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, with a fee in the region of £25 million under discussion. Talks are also ongoing with Brentford for Danish midfielder Christian Nørgaard, in what is believed to be a £15 million agreement.

In addition to a central striker, Arsenal remain active in the market for a wide forward. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is believed to be the club’s preferred option, though the scale of recent spending may require at least one significant player sale to help finance such a high-profile move.


Potential Departures and Other Transfer Considerations

The Gunners are expected to listen to offers for several first-team players to balance the books. Interest has reportedly emerged from clubs in the Saudi Pro League for both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. While no formal bids have yet been submitted, either player could be moved on to facilitate further incoming business.

In terms of incomings, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is also under consideration. Arsenal view him as a potential value addition, especially as Chelsea are believed to consider him surplus to requirements. However, any deal would depend on Madueke’s assurances over playing time and Arsenal’s wider squad planning.


Concern Over Ethan Nwaneri’s Contract Situation

Beyond the marquee signings, Arsenal are also facing pressure to resolve the future of academy prodigy Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old midfielder, one of the most promising talents in English football, has just one year remaining on his contract. Concerns have been raised over his pathway to regular first-team football at the Emirates.

Nwaneri is reportedly attracting interest from rival Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, where his skill set is thought to align more closely with their system. Arsenal remain hopeful of convincing him to stay, but negotiations have not yet yielded a breakthrough.


Conclusion

Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres marks a bold statement of intent as the club looks to take another leap forward in their project under Mikel Arteta. With the striker seemingly keen on the move and personal terms agreed, much now hinges on the club’s ability to reach a compromise with Sporting CP on the final fee.

Should the deal be completed, Gyökeres would join a growing list of high-profile additions to what is rapidly becoming one of the most ambitious transfer windows in Arsenal’s modern history.


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