The summer transfer window is heating up, and Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres is at the center of a high-stakes saga that has Premier League fans buzzing. The 27-year-old Sporting Lisbon star, who has lit up the Primeira Liga with an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances since joining in 2023, has reportedly told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal, signaling a potential blockbuster move to north London. This revelation, coupled with a bitter dispute with his current club, has set the stage for a dramatic transfer battle as the 2025/26 Premier League season looms.
Gyokeres’ prolific form—54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances during the 2024/25 season—has made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. His exploits helped Sporting secure both the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal, cementing his reputation as a lethal finisher. Arsenal, desperate to bolster their attack after scoring just 69 goals in the Premier League last season, see Gyokeres as the key to unlocking their title ambitions. Manager Mikel Arteta, who has promised fans a “big summer” in the transfer market, has prioritized a new striker, with Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko topping the Gunners’ shortlist.
The transfer saga has taken a contentious turn, with Gyokeres reportedly feeling “betrayed” by Sporting Lisbon. His agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, claims there was a gentleman’s agreement allowing the striker to leave for around £60 million, a figure significantly below his €100 million (£85 million) release clause. Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has vehemently denied this, insisting, “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised him that.” Varandas added, “Threats, blackmail, and insults don’t work with me,” signaling that Sporting will demand closer to £80 million for their star man. Tensions have escalated to the point where Gyokeres has refused clear-the-air talks with the club and is reportedly prepared to go on strike, unwilling to return for pre-season training.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres has gained momentum, especially after the striker reportedly snubbed Manchester United, despite his prior relationship with their manager, Ruben Amorim, who coached him for 15 months at Sporting. “I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal,” a source close to the situation revealed. The lure of Champions League football and the chance to compete for the Premier League title have swayed Gyokeres, who reportedly sees Arsenal as his dream destination over other suitors, including Juventus, who offered a staggering £11 million-per-year contract, and Real Madrid, who passed on the opportunity due to cost and his demand to be a starter.
The Gunners’ interest in Gyokeres has been complicated by their simultaneous pursuit of Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian seen as a longer-term investment. Reports suggest Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms with Sesko, but negotiations with Leipzig are ongoing, with the club unwilling to let him go cheaply. Gyokeres, however, appears the more immediate fit, with his proven goal-scoring record and physicality as a classic center-forward. “Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely,” a transfer insider noted, highlighting the Swede’s readiness to hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Gyokeres himself has remained cryptic amid the speculation, posting on Instagram, “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it false. I will speak when the time is right.” His silence has only fueled the drama, with Sporting’s refusal to budge on their valuation creating a standoff. Varandas emphasized the club’s stance, stating, “We knew about Viktor’s dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League, and we have common sense,” but insisted no formal offers have been received, either this season or last.
As Arsenal prepare for a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, with early fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City, securing a striker of Gyokeres’ caliber could be a game-changer. His preference for Arsenal over Manchester United, Juventus, and potential Saudi Pro League interest underscores his ambition to compete at the highest level. With the transfer window now open, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Gyokeres dons the red and white of Arsenal, potentially reshaping the Premier League’s attacking landscape.
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