Arsenal’s quest for a world-class striker has taken a thrilling turn as the summer transfer window of 2025 kicks into high gear. After seasons of relying on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz up top, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are intensifying their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Swedish star, Viktor Gyökeres, who has emerged as the club’s new first-choice target. With negotiations accelerating, Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is spearheading talks to secure the 27-year-old’s signature before the team’s pre-season tour of Asia in July. The move signals a bold ambition to bolster the squad’s attacking firepower and end Arsenal’s trophy drought, with Gyökeres’ prolific form and dynamic style making him a perfect fit for Arteta’s vision.
For years, Arsenal have sought a clinical No. 9 to elevate their Premier League title challenge. Despite finishing second for three consecutive seasons, the Gunners have lacked the ruthless edge needed to dethrone rivals like Liverpool. “We need a striker who can change games, someone who brings goals and presence,” Arteta said after a recent 2-1 win over Tottenham, underscoring the urgency. Gyökeres, who has lit up Portugal’s Primeira Liga, fits the bill. Since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in 2023, he’s scored an astonishing 66 goals in 83 appearances, including 43 last season alone. His blend of power, pace, and pressing intensity has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche raving, “The boy Gyökeres, I’ve got to be honest, I think he’s a real player. I saw him in the Championship. Then we played him in pre-season and I thought, ‘Strong, honest.’”
The push for Gyökeres comes as Arsenal pivot from their long-standing interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. While the 22-year-old Slovenian was Arteta’s top target earlier this year, with talks reaching an advanced stage and a reported €81 million fee agreed, Šeško’s escalating wage demands have stalled negotiations. “Sesko’s camp are looking for a contract much higher than we plan to pay,” an insider revealed, prompting Arsenal to shift focus. Gyökeres, reportedly valued at €100 million by Sporting, offers a more feasible deal, with whispers of a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave for a lower sum. Arsenal are crafting a structured offer with bonuses and add-ons to meet Sporting’s valuation, aiming to finalize the transfer swiftly.
Gyökeres’ appeal lies in his versatility and Premier League pedigree. His standout spell at Coventry City, where he scored 21 goals in the 2022-23 Championship season, proved he can thrive in England’s physical, high-tempo environment. “He’s not happy being seen as second-choice behind Sesko,” a source close to the player noted, highlighting Gyökeres’ determination to prove himself at Arsenal. The striker’s hunger aligns with Arteta’s demand for a selfless yet lethal forward who can lead the line, link play, and press relentlessly. With Jesus plagued by injuries and Havertz often deployed deeper, Gyökeres could transform Arsenal’s attack, complementing wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The transfer saga isn’t without competition. Manchester United and Chelsea have scouted Gyökeres, while Saudi clubs have tabled lucrative offers, but the Swede’s preference for a Premier League return gives Arsenal the edge. “Viktor has told his close family he will be moving to the Gunners,” a report claimed, fueling optimism among fans. Berta’s proactive approach, honed during his tenure at Atletico Madrid, has Arsenal moving decisively. The club’s pre-season tour, including friendlies against Tottenham and AC Milan, looms as a deadline to integrate Gyökeres into Arteta’s tactical setup.
This pursuit is part of a broader squad overhaul. Arsenal are close to sealing a £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to replace Thomas Partey, while contract talks with Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes aim to secure the core. “We’re building a team for the long haul,” Berta said at a recent press event, hinting at further signings, possibly a winger like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo or Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Yet, the striker position remains the priority, with Gyökeres’ potential arrival signaling Arsenal’s intent to compete on all fronts. As the Emirates buzzes with anticipation, the stage is set for a transformative summer that could propel the Gunners to glory.
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