No longer a rumored concern, Arsenal have officially accepted the figure of 73.5 million Euros for the case of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. The Gunners are doing their best to include the Swedish striker in the squad, so the drills and tours are also prepared more carefully.
Basically, the agreement has been signed, with a fixed pre-payment fee of 63.5 million Euros, plus 10 million Euros in additional fees. Meanwhile, the striker's representative has offered a free transfer (commission) to facilitate the deal.
The reason why Viktor Gyokeres' future this summer is so complicated is because Sporting President - Frederico Varandas refused to accept what the 27-year-old striker believes is a deal to leave this summer for 60 million Euros, plus 10 million Euros in additional fees.
A few days ago, this amount was considered too much more than Arsenal could have paid. As for Viktor Gyokeres, he has not returned to training before the season with Sporting. The Swedish striker himself wants to join a Premier League club, with a 5-year contract.
The 27-year-old striker has emerged as Arsenal's favorite target in recruiting a centre-forward. The Gunners are currently prioritizing Gyokeres over all other targets. Meanwhile, head coach Mikel Arteta wants Gyokeres to join the squad as soon as possible to prepare for the new season.
If he successfully arrives at Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres will be Arsenal's 4th contract in the summer transfer window, after midfielders Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Christian Norgaard (Brentford). In addition, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has just arrived at a surprisingly cheap price. Arsenal have now reached an agreement with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Looking back at last season and the two before that, Arsenal did not have a real "number 9" player, especially for most of the 2024-2025 season. Last season, Arsenal lost to Liverpool in the championship race, 10 points behind the defending champions and with 17 goals less.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have taken turns playing as centre-forwards for most of last season. The pair suffered injuries in January and February. Arteta was then forced to use Mikel Merino as a centre-forward in many situations.
For Viktor Gyokeres, he has an appeal to the side he is pursuing when looking at the statistics: 68 goals in the Primeira Liga since joining Sporting in the summer of 2023, more than any other player in Portugal during that time. Gyokeres is considered a harmful striker, able to create terrible power on both wings.
Not only that, the Swedish star also possesses long-range shots such as hammering and scoring ability in the penalty area. Gyokeres has almost everything, he is an excellent winger, direct, explosive and has the physical ability to repeat those movements at high intensity.
The Premier League will be a completely different tournament to the Primeira Liga. Although Gyokeres is clearly fit enough to face the strongest centre-backs, he may not be given much space to attack. At Arsenal, passing the ball and being patient in the attacks are the rules. Gyokeres is also ineffective in air combat. He has not scored a headed goal in the tournament last season.
Anyway, the Swedish striker is a formidable goalscorer, an tireless runner and a cold "number 9". Gyokeres is the type of striker who can turn half-hearted chances into goals. If Premier League sides think they have a good grasp of Arteta's Arsenal, this Gyokeres deal will provide a new direction.
