Arsenal, the Premier League runners-up, are poised to deliver another transfer market setback to rivals Manchester City as they close in on a blockbuster deal for Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres. The 25-year-old Swede, who has been a long-standing target for both clubs, is reportedly “almost guaranteed” to join the Gunners in a £55 million move that could be finalized as early as next week. This potential coup follows Arsenal’s successful navigation of a competitive transfer landscape, capitalizing on Manchester United’s financial constraints after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham, which excluded them from Champions League qualification. With new sporting director Andrea Berta leading the charge, Arsenal’s ambition to bolster their squad for the 2025-26 season is clear, setting the stage for a transformative summer at the Emirates.
Gyokeres has been a revelation at Sporting CP, netting a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League and amassing an impressive tally of goals in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. His desire to test himself at the highest level, coupled with Arsenal’s guaranteed Champions League football, has tilted the scales in their favor. “I’m not a fortune teller,” Gyokeres told his teammates when asked about his future, but his comments suggest an openness to a move, particularly to a club offering major silverware and European competition. Arsenal’s pursuit, championed by Berta since his March arrival, has gained momentum, with reports indicating a €65 million (£55 million) agreement is in place. This deal positions Arsenal ahead of Manchester City, who have shifted focus away from other high-profile targets like Florian Wirtz, and Manchester United, whose transfer budget is hamstrung by their lack of European football.
The Gunners’ interest in Gyokeres is part of a broader strategy to address their attacking needs. Despite a strong 2024-25 season, where they secured second place with a 1-0 win over Newcastle, Arsenal’s lack of a clinical No. 9 has been a recurring critique. Mikel Arteta’s side, which dominated possession and created chances, often lacked the finishing touch to challenge champions Liverpool. Gyokeres, with his physicality and goal-scoring prowess, is seen as the ideal solution, though Arsenal are also monitoring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as an alternative. “Arsenal has been struggling the last two or three seasons with Manchester City and Liverpool right now. They need guarantees. They must sign a top, top player in the summer,” a transfer insider noted, emphasizing the urgency of landing a striker to compete for titles.
This move could mark another blow to Manchester City, who are grappling with their own challenges. After a seven-game winless streak and exits from the Champions League and League Cup, City’s recent 3-1 victory over Bournemouth secured a top-five finish, but their transfer plans have been disrupted. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who ruled out a move to Arsenal, and their withdrawal from the Wirtz race highlight a shift in priorities. Pep Guardiola’s squad, bloated at 28 players, faces a summer rebuild, with potential exits for Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish. Arsenal’s aggressive pursuit of Gyokeres, following their earlier interest in City’s Julián Álvarez—who is now a target for Atlético Madrid—underscores their intent to capitalize on City’s transitional phase.
Arsenal’s transfer strategy extends beyond Gyokeres. The club is also linked with a shock move to re-sign former goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, should David Raya depart for Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid. Additionally, interest in Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams reflects Berta’s focus on versatile wingers, though significant signings may require selling players like Gabriel Martinelli, valued at over £50 million. “The message to Martinelli has been that Arsenal intend to keep their best players,” an insider said, but a big offer could change plans. As Arsenal prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup and a crucial final Premier League match against Southampton, their transfer activity signals a bold intent to challenge for the title in 2026.
Gyokeres’ potential arrival could redefine Arsenal’s attack, offering the firepower needed to close the gap with Liverpool. With Arteta’s tactical acumen and Berta’s transfer nous, the Gunners are positioning themselves as serious contenders, ready to exploit their rivals’ vulnerabilities. As the transfer window nears, Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres stands as a statement of ambition, promising an exciting new chapter for a club hungry for silverware.
# Arsenal Set to Sign Viktor Gyokeres, Dealing Blow to Manchester City
Arsenal are on the verge of securing a major transfer coup by signing Sporting CP’s star striker Viktor Gyokeres for £55 million, a move that could deal a significant blow to rivals Manchester City. The 25-year-old Swede, described as “almost guaranteed” to join the Gunners, has been a top target for both clubs, but Arsenal’s Champions League qualification and strategic planning have given them the edge. New sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined in March, has spearheaded the deal, with reports suggesting it could be finalized next week, positioning Arsenal to strengthen their attack for the 2025-26 season.
Gyokeres’ scintillating form, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. “I’m not a fortune teller,” he told teammates, hinting at his openness to a move to a club offering elite competition. Arsenal’s second-place finish, secured with a 1-0 win over Newcastle, guarantees Champions League football, unlike Manchester United, whose Europa League final loss has limited their transfer budget. City, despite a 3-1 win over Bournemouth to close on a top-five spot, have shifted focus from targets like Florian Wirtz, leaving Arsenal clear to pursue Gyokeres.
The Gunners’ need for a clinical No. 9 has been evident, with their 2024-25 season highlighting a gap in finishing despite dominating possession. “Arsenal has been struggling the last two or three seasons with Manchester City and Liverpool right now. They need guarantees. They must sign a top, top player in the summer,” an insider noted. Gyokeres, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, fits Arteta’s vision, with Berta’s €65 million deal signaling intent. Arsenal’s interest in City’s Julián Álvarez, now targeted by Atlético Madrid, further underscores their ambition to exploit City’s transitional phase, marked by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and a bloated 28-player squad.
Beyond Gyokeres, Arsenal are exploring a sensational return for goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez if David Raya leaves, and eyeing wingers like Kaoru Mitoma and Nico Williams. However, signings may hinge on selling Gabriel Martinelli, valued at over £50 million. “The message to Martinelli has been that Arsenal intend to keep their best players,” a source said, though a big offer could shift plans. As Arsenal gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup and a final Premier League clash with Southampton, their pursuit of Gyokeres reflects a bold strategy to challenge for the title, capitalizing on their rivals’ vulnerabilities to build a squad capable of ending their trophy drought.
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