Arsenal’s quest to bolster their attacking firepower has taken a thrilling turn, as the Gunners reignite their pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres with a fresh offer and a self-imposed deadline to seal the deal. Under Mikel Arteta’s determined leadership, the north London club is desperate to address the goal-scoring woes that plagued their 2024/25 Premier League campaign, where injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus exposed a lack of depth up front. With new sporting director Andrea Berta orchestrating a decisive transfer strategy, Arsenal are now racing against time to secure the 27-year-old Swede, who has emerged as their top target after a dramatic U-turn in their striker hunt. The club aims to have Gyokeres on board for their pre-season tour of Asia, starting July 23, 2025, in Singapore, signaling their ambition to challenge for the Premier League title.
Gyokeres, who scored an astonishing 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, has been a long-term admiration of Arsenal’s recruitment team, dating back to his days at Coventry City. His remarkable tally of 97 goals in 102 games for the Portuguese champions, coupled with his role in securing two Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. “Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal,” a journalist revealed, underscoring the player’s preference for a move to the Emirates over rival interest from Manchester United and Juventus. Despite a prior gentleman’s agreement with Sporting allowing a transfer for around £60 million (€70 million), tensions arose when the club pushed for a fee closer to his €100 million (£84 million) release clause, leaving Gyokeres feeling “betrayed” by their stance. However, Arsenal’s renewed resolve has seen them prepare a second offer, reportedly exceeding €70 million, to meet Sporting’s revised £68 million valuation.
The Gunners’ transfer U-turn comes after stalled talks for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, whose £70–90 million price tag and high wage demands proved a roadblock. “Arsenal are juggling both Gyokeres and Šeško, but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely,” an insider noted, highlighting Berta’s preference for the Swede’s proven goal-scoring prowess and readiness to lead the line immediately. Arteta’s urgency to integrate Gyokeres before pre-season, where Arsenal face AC Milan, Newcastle, and Tottenham in Asia, underscores the club’s belief that the striker’s physicality, technical ability, and high-pressing style align perfectly with their system. “He reminds me a bit of Dimitar Berbatov — how he looks so relaxed, so technically gifted,” a pundit remarked, though some question whether Gyokeres suits Arteta’s intense pressing demands as ideally as Šeško might.
The transfer saga has not been without drama. Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, firmly denied promising Gyokeres a cut-price exit, stating, “Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m+10m because I never promised him that.” Yet, recent reports suggest Sporting are now open to negotiations, with fresh talks scheduled after the Portuguese Cup final on May 25, 2025. Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, has been instrumental, meeting Arsenal officials in Lisbon during the Women’s Champions League final to hammer out a deal that includes a £200,000-a-week contract, making Gyokeres one of Arsenal’s highest earners. “For Gyokeres, talks are advancing between Arsenal and his representatives,” a transfer expert claimed, noting a “willingness from all parties to get the deal done.”
Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy adds context to their pursuit. A £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is nearing completion, while interest in wingers like Nico Williams and Rodrygo reflects Arteta’s vision for a dynamic attack. However, the striker position remains the priority after a season where Arsenal’s 69 Premier League goals—third-highest in the league—masked their reliance on Bukayo Saka and set pieces. “Arsenal need to add more quality around Saka,” an analyst observed, emphasizing Gyokeres’ potential to ease the burden on the England star. Despite competition from Manchester United, where former Sporting boss Rúben Amorim holds sway, Gyokeres’ “above all dream” of joining Arsenal gives the Gunners an edge. As the clock ticks toward their Asia tour, Arsenal’s bold move for Gyokeres could be the catalyst for a transformative season, with fans dreaming of a lethal No. 9 finally ending their title drought.
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