Arsenal reach final agreement over transfer for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as clubs settle on fee worth a potential €73.5m

Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The news comes just days after the Swede refused to report for pre-season with the Portuguese side. Mikel Arteta has prioritised the 27-year-old as his new No. 9 and a five-year contract is ready, with The Athletic suggesting the deal is worth €73.5 million (£63.4m/$86m).

WHAT HAPPENED?

Per The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed terms with Sporting CP to sign Gyokeres. Arsenal’s offer is said to be worth €63.5 million (£54.8m/$74.2m) in fixed fees plus €10 million (£8.6m/$11.7m) in add-ons, which is just over the €70m release arrangement that Gyokeres believed he had in place with Sporting before they reportedly went back on their gentleman's agreement. The striker has skipped the start of pre-season training in Portugal amid frustration over stalled talks.

Arsenal FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gyokeres emerged as Arsenal’s top target to lead the line this season after a lack of consistency in the centre-forward role at the Emirates. Despite interest from other clubs, he has made it clear he only wants to join Arsenal. Arteta views him as the final piece in an already impressive summer rebuild for the Gunners.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal have already signed Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Noni Madueke also set to arrive soon. Gyokeres is expected to sign a five-year deal for a reported fee of €73.5m, making him the club’s most expensive signing of the window.

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WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

Arsenal aim to finalise the transfer within the week to allow Gyokeres to link up with the squad before the start of their United States pre-season tour. Sporting had been opposed to the idea of letting their star striker leave under the release clause mentioned in his contract, but it looks like they have given up after the Swede's pre-season training snub.