Arsenal in 'advanced Viktor Gyokeres talks' as Gunners close in on mega transfer

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres, as a move for Benjamin Sesko appears to be on hold. The Gunners' main objective this summer is to secure a top-notch striker, and the pair have been identified as prime targets.

Both players are expected to depart their current clubs ahead of the 2025-26 season, but until now it was uncertain which player Arsenal would pursue for a big-money transfer.

Arsenal have reportedly advanced in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres

According to Sky Sports Belgium, it seems that Gyokeres, not Sesko, is set to make his way to the Emirates. It has been reported that Arsenal and Sporting are in 'advanced talks' over a high-profile deal that would see 27-year old-Gyokeres trade the Portuguese Primeira Liga for the Premier League.

As negotiations between the two clubs progress, it's reported that Gyokeres and Arsenal have already agreed on a five-year contract for the Swedish striker.

Arsenal are believed to be nearing the 'closing line' after shifting focus away from Sesko, who was heavily pursued last summer before renewing his contract with RB Leipzig.

Despite rumours that Sesko was Mikel Arteta's preferred choice for a striker, speculation about a move for Gyokeres has persisted.

The striker is reportedly eager to sign for Arsenal, despite competing interest from Manchester United, who are now believed to be chasing Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. Gyokeres has even rejected a hefty £11million-a-year contract offer from Juventus, favouring a move to Arsenal, who are on the hunt for top-notch additions after finishing second for the third year running.

Gyokeres appears to have no future at Sporting, with reports indicating he is incensed with the club for backtracking on a gentleman's agreement to let him go for less than his release clause.

Sporting Lisbon's president Federico Varandas recently commented: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.

"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.

"Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won't disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won't leave, absolutely not.

"In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for 65million, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75million euros. We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don't believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world."