Revealed: The bonus payments Arsenal must pay Sporting CP after finally getting green light on Viktor Gyokeres deal

Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal

Arsenal’s hunt for a top-tier striker has finally concluded with the imminent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The deal, which could reach a staggering £63.5 million, represents one of Arsenal's biggest investments in recent years as Mikel Arteta strengthens his frontline for the 2025/26 season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Ben Jacobs, the North London club will pay an upfront fee of £54.5 million for the 26-year-old forward, with the remaining amount tied to performance-based bonuses. Sporting will receive an additional £1.09 million each time the striker completes 20 matches where he plays over 45 minutes. This clause will remain active until a total of £4.36 million is paid out under this condition.

Gyokeres HIC 2-1

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Beyond appearance-based incentives, Arsenal have also agreed to fork out £436,000 once Gyokeres reaches 20 combined goals and assists. The same amount will be triggered again when the player hits 40 total goal involvements. Moreover, Sporting will benefit from Arsenal’s success in Europe. Every time the Gunners qualify for the Champions League while Gyökeres remains on their roster, a payment of £870,000 will be made to the Portuguese side. This bonus can be activated a maximum of four times during his tenure.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite early indications that Gyokeres had a gentleman's agreement with Sporting to depart for £50.8 million this summer, negotiations between the two clubs proved to be anything but straightforward. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas ultimately softened his stance and accepted Arsenal’s latest offer.

Since his move from Coventry City to Lisbon in the summer of 2023, the former Brighton and Swansea player has netted an astonishing 97 goals in just 102 appearances across all competitions. His prolific form played a key role in Sporting lifting back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, along with a Taca de Portugal trophy.

Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal

WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

Gyokeres is reportedly set to commit to a five-year contract with Arsenal. With Gabriel Jesus battling injuries last season and Kai Havertz often deployed in various roles, the addition of a natural goalscorer has been high on Arteta’s agenda. The Swede’s physicality, finishing, and relentless work ethic could prove to be the missing piece in Arsenal’s push for domestic and European honours.