As the summer transfer window of 2025 reaches a fever pitch, Arsenal have made a decisive move in their quest for a world-class striker, zeroing in on Sporting Lisbon’s prolific Swedish forward, Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners, under the stewardship of manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, have reportedly secured a verbal agreement on personal terms for a five-year contract with the 27-year-old, signaling their intent to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. This development marks a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s transfer strategy, with Gyokeres emerging as the preferred choice over RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, despite months of speculation linking both strikers to the club. “Arsenal are now in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon over a deal for Viktor Gyokeres,” sources close to the negotiations revealed, underscoring the momentum behind this potential blockbuster transfer.
The decision comes after a season where Arsenal’s lack of a clinical No. 9 cost them dearly in their pursuit of the Premier League title, finishing second for the third consecutive year. Gyokeres, with an astonishing 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting in the 2024/25 season, has proven himself a lethal finisher in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. His 97 goals in 102 matches since joining from Coventry City two years ago have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. “I’ve never felt this empty before,” Gyokeres reportedly said of his strained relationship with Sporting, where tensions have escalated over a disputed transfer fee. The striker believed a gentleman’s agreement allowed him to leave for €60 million (£51 million) plus €10 million in bonuses, but Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has insisted on a fee closer to his €100 million (£85 million) release clause. “I can tell you that Viktor won’t leave for €60m plus €10m. He won’t. He just won’t,” Varandas declared, highlighting the club’s firm stance.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres has been complicated by their simultaneous interest in Sesko, the 22-year-old Slovenian star who scored 18 goals in the Bundesliga last season. Sesko, long admired by Arteta for his potential, was initially seen as the club’s top target, with reports suggesting “near universal backing” within Arsenal for his signing. However, negotiations with RB Leipzig stalled over his €80 million (£68 million) asking price and his demand for an exit clause set at a 20% premium on any transfer fee, a condition described as “unusual” by insiders. With Leipzig lowering their demands to €70 million, Arsenal faced a choice between the younger, high-ceiling Sesko and the proven, in-form Gyokeres. “If everything went according to plan and Arsenal are to get the striker they wanted, it would be Benjamin Sesko,” a source noted earlier, but Gyokeres’ readiness to join and his expressed desire to play for Arsenal tipped the scales. “Gyokeres has informed the Gunners of his desire to join them,” sources confirmed, highlighting his rejection of a £11 million-a-year offer from Juventus and interest from Manchester United.
The transfer saga has not been without drama. Gyokeres, feeling “heartbroken” by Sporting’s refusal to honor the alleged €70 million agreement, has reportedly vowed not to return for pre-season training, pushing for a move before Arsenal’s Asia tour begins on July 23. Arsenal’s initial €70 million offer, including add-ons, was rebuffed, but a new bid closer to €75-80 million is imminent, with Berta aiming to finalize the deal swiftly. “Arsenal are prepared to make another offer for the ex-Coventry City man,” insiders revealed, noting Arteta’s urgency to have Gyokeres join pre-season friendlies against AC Milan, Newcastle, and Tottenham. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest, fueled by Gyokeres’ prior relationship with manager Ruben Amorim, has waned, with United shifting focus to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
Arsenal’s decision to prioritize Gyokeres over Sesko reflects a strategic choice for immediate impact. At 27, Gyokeres is in his prime, offering proven goal-scoring prowess, though some question whether his form in Portugal will translate to the Premier League’s intensity. Sesko, five years younger, represents a long-term project, but his underwhelming 2024/25 season and Leipzig’s financial demands swayed Arsenal toward Gyokeres. The Gunners have also secured deals for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, signaling a broader squad overhaul. With Kai Havertz likely to remain Arteta’s starting striker, Gyokeres’ arrival would add depth and competition, potentially ending Arsenal’s goal-scoring woes. As the July 15 deadline looms, the football world watches eagerly to see if Arsenal can navigate Sporting’s hardball tactics to land their man and ignite their 2025/26 title charge.
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