Fakayejo Paul
London, UK – Arsenal are significantly advancing in their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with a new round of talks in recent hours bringing the Gunners closer to securing the highly-rated Swede.
The player himself has made his intentions unequivocally clear to Sporting: he only wants to join Arsenal and as soon as possible.
Gyökeres, 27, has reached a total agreement with Arsenal on personal terms, committing to a five-year contract valid until June 2030.
His desire to move to the Emirates is so strong that he reportedly has “no intention to discuss other options” and will NOT return for pre-season training at Sporting, demonstrating his full focus on leaving the Portuguese club.
This stance has undoubtedly put pressure on Sporting to facilitate a deal.
While “nothing is done yet,” discussions between the two clubs are well underway. Sporting has a €100 million release clause for Gyökeres, but reports suggest they have been open to negotiating a lower fee, potentially around €70-80 million.
Recent reports indicate an agreement could be reached for around €60 million initially plus €10 million in add-ons, or even a guaranteed £56.1 million ($76.6 million) with up to £13 million ($17.7 million) in add-ons.
The striker has even reportedly been willing to forgo a portion of his salary to help facilitate the move.
Gyökeres enjoyed a sensational season with Sporting, leading the Liga Portugal scoring charts with 29 goals and contributing to 108 goals in 102 matches across his two seasons in Portugal.
His powerful style, clinical finishing, and hold-up play are seen as a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, who are keen to add a prolific number nine to their ranks.
Arsenal’s push for Gyökeres comes after securing deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and confirming new long-term contracts for academy talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly.
With pre-season training approaching, Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to integrate his new striker as swiftly as possible.
All eyes are now on the final stages of negotiations, as Arsenal looks to complete a major statement signing in the summer transfer window.