Arsenal Seal €73.5m Deal for Viktor Gyokeres to Solve Striker Problem

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in a deal worth €73.5 million. The agreement includes a fixed fee of €63.5 million and an additional €10 million in performance-based add-ons. Gyokeres’ agent has also waived his commission to facilitate the transfer.

The transfer negotiations were prolonged due to Sporting president Frederico Varandas rejecting a previous offer of €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons, which Gyokeres believed was the agreed exit fee. Arsenal responded with a higher bid and have now reached an understanding on personal terms, with a five-year contract prepared. The Swedish striker has already skipped Sporting’s pre-season as he pushes for the move.

The 27-year-old is Arsenal’s preferred target for a specialist No. 9, and Mikel Arteta is keen to bring him in as soon as possible. Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has become one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, scoring 54 goals in 52 games last season, leading his team to a league and cup double.

This signing would mark Arsenal’s fourth major acquisition of the summer following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. A deal has also been secured for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Last season, Arsenal struggled without a recognized centre-forward, relying on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus before both suffered injuries. Midfielder Mikel Merino later stepped in, but Arsenal still finished second in the Premier League, ten points behind Liverpool.

Gyokeres, who has scored 15 goals in 26 games for Sweden, has long been admired by Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta. His signing is expected to add a new dimension to Arteta’s attack.

Player Profile: More Than Just a Goalscorer

Gyokeres boasts 68 league goals in two seasons, more than double any other player in Portugal in that time. He’s known for his explosive runs, strength, and ability to exploit space by pulling wide and driving inward to finish.

While Arsenal’s possession-based style might limit the open spaces Gyokeres thrives in, his physicality, pressing ability, and ruthless finishing could make him a perfect fit for the Premier League. However, one shortcoming is his aerial game — he didn’t score a single headed goal in the league last season.

Still, Gyokeres’ relentless style and goal-scoring prowess could be exactly what Arsenal need to evolve their attack and compete for the title next seasons.

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