Gyokeres Close as Arsenal Eye €70m Striker Coup

Arsenal transfer pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has roared into its decisive phase after the Sweden striker failed to report for Sporting CP’s pre-season on Monday. Sources in Lisbon confirm that negotiations, which began earlier this month, are now centred on the payment structure of a package worth a little over €70 million (£61 m).

Arsenal transfer talks hit ‘final steps’

Technical director Edu has already agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old on a five-year deal that would make him Mikel Arteta’s first-choice No. 9. The Gunners believe the Swede’s blend of power, relentless pressing and 36-goal haul last season fits perfectly with their high-tempo attacking blueprint.

Why Gyokeres over other targets?

Arsenal explored moves for Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak but were deterred by domestic-rival premiums. Sporting, though reluctant, accepted that Gyokeres’ insistence on a Premier League switch left them vulnerable, especially after he invoked a clause allowing him to miss non-mandatory sessions while discussions progressed.

Financial fine-tuning underway

Arsenal prefer staggered instalments to stay within Profit & Sustainability rules; Sporting want more cash up front to fund replacements. A compromise involving achievable add-ons linked to Champions League qualification is expected to seal the deal before Arsenal fly to the United States next week.

What it means for Arteta’s frontline

With Gabriel Jesus earmarked for a versatile role and Kai Havertz thriving as an advanced midfielder, Gyokeres would arrive to lead the line in crunch fixtures—something Arsenal lacked during last season’s title run-in.

Opinion: Signing Gyokeres is a calculated gamble. His physicality should elevate Arsenal’s attack, but matching Primeira Liga numbers in England is a different test. Still, at 27 and entering his peak, it feels like the right risk at the right time.