Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with sources indicating that personal terms have been agreed and club-to-club discussions are going on positively.
The Swedish international striker has emerged as Arsenal’s priority target this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly setting a deadline for the completion of the transfer. According to multiple reports from ESPN and Sky Sports, the Gunners are close to finalizing a deal that would see Gyokeres return to English football.
Transfer Details and Valuation Gap
The primary sticking point in negotiations remains the transfer fee. Sporting CP are demanding £60.4 million (€70 million) as a fixed fee plus £8.6 million (€10 million) in add-ons for their star striker. While Arsenal have shown willingness to meet these demands, sources suggest there remains a gap in valuation that both clubs are working to bridge.
Personal terms appear to be less of an issue, with ESPN reporting that Gyokeres has agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal. The 27-year-old has reportedly shown a strong desire to join the North London club, which has encouraged Arsenal’s pursuit.
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Player’s Commitment to Move
In a big development, Gyokeres has allegedly made financial sacrifices to facilitate the transfer. Reports suggest the Swedish striker has agreed to reduce his proposed salary to allow Arsenal to increase their transfer offer to Sporting CP. This gesture proves the player’s commitment to securing a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Sporting CP have shown cooperation in the negotiations by granting Gyokeres permission to delay his return for pre-season training while the transfer talks continue. This indicates that all parties are working toward a resolution.
Gyokeres’ Impressive Record
The striker’s appeal to Arsenal is evident from his remarkable scoring record. Gyokeres has netted 97 goals in 99 appearances for Sporting CP, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His goalscoring prowess would address Arsenal’s need for a reliable striker to compete for major honors.
The Swedish international previously played in English football, having joined Brighton in January 2018 before moving to Coventry City after loan spells at St. Pauli and Swansea City. He scored 43 goals in two-and-a-half seasons at Coventry in the Championship, demonstrating his ability to adapt to English football.
Arsenal’s Strategic Priority
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Arsenal have made Gyokeres their primary striker target after weeks of internal debate. The club’s hierarchy and Arteta have reportedly chosen the Sporting CP forward over other potential targets, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The potential acquisition of Gyokeres would be a big statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to strengthen their attacking options for the upcoming season. The club’s willingness to meet Sporting’s substantial valuation shows their belief that the Swedish striker can provide the goals needed to compete for Premier League and European honors.
Timeline and Expectations
With talks described as being at an advanced stage, sources suggest that the coming week could be crucial in determining the transfer’s outcome. Both clubs appear committed to reaching an agreement, with the primary challenge being the final negotiation of the transfer fee structure.
The potential signing of Gyokeres would be a good addition for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, addressing their striker needs with a proven goalscorer who has shown his ability at the highest level of European football.
