Transfer News Arsenal close to reaching agreement for top striker target

Arsenal are now in advanced talks with their top striker target and are close to reaching an agreement ahead of a proposed move this summer

Arsenal – Andrea Berta

Arsenal are closing in on a sensational move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with French outlet L’Équipe reporting that a verbal agreement between the two clubs is nearing completion.

The 27-year-old Swedish international has emerged as Arsenal’s top attacking target this summer, and his potential arrival would mark a major statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side as they prepare to challenge for the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season.

Gyökeres enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 campaign with Sporting, netting an incredible 54 goals and providing 13 assists in just 52 appearances across all competitions. His explosive form has attracted interest from several European giants, including Manchester United and Juventus, but Arsenal are now believed to be in pole position to secure his signature.

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According to L’Équipe, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the negotiations and is confident of striking a deal. The Gunners are reportedly prepared to pay a fee in the region of €65–70 million, just below the striker’s release clause after making significant progress in talks with Sporting and Gyökeres’ camp.

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has hinted that Gyökeres could be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrives, although the Portuguese club remain adamant about receiving a substantial fee. Discussions with the player’s agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, have been positive, and a five-year contract running until 2030 is said to have already been agreed in principle.

Sources close to the player suggest Gyökeres has informed friends and family of his desire to join Arsenal, with his admiration for Mikel Arteta and belief in the club’s long-term project playing a key role in his decision. The chance to compete regularly in the Champions League and play in a high-tempo, possession-based system under Arteta is understood to be particularly appealing to the Swedish forward.

Gyökeres’ arrival would provide Arsenal with the clinical, physical No. 9 they’ve long been searching for. Despite impressive campaigns from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the lack of a natural goal-scoring striker was seen as a key factor in the club’s near-miss last season, when they finished second in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Arsenal’s aggressive pursuit of Gyökeres signals a summer of ambition under the leadership of Andrea Berta. With no Club World Cup commitments this summer, the Gunners have a rare window to focus entirely on strengthening the squad ahead of a crucial season. According to L’Équipe, the club is determined to avoid another year without silverware and is moving swiftly to ensure top targets are secured early in the window.

Should the deal be finalised, Gyökeres would become one of the most high-profile signings of the Premier League summer, and a key figure in Arsenal’s bid to end their two-decade wait for a league title.