Arsenal are pushing to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The Portuguese club has set a deadline for the Gunners to finalize the deal. This comes after negotiations stalled last weekend, frustrating both clubs.
Arsenal resume talks for Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal’s pursuit of the Sporting CP striker has gained momentum. The Portuguese club is ready to resume negotiations within the next 48 hours, according to The Mirror’s John Cross. Both clubs seek to finalize a deal for the prolific forward.
Gyökeres is reportedly a top target for Mikel Arteta this summer. Arsenal want a clinical No. 9 for the 2025/26 season. Since joining Sporting, the striker has scored 97 goals in 102 games. This includes a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
Negotiations previously stalled over the fee structure. Sporting wants €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons. Meanwhile, Arsenal bid €65 million with €15 million in bonuses. Sporting president Frederico Varandas paused talks due to the impasse.
However, both sides now agree on a total valuation of €80 million. The structure of payments remains a sticking point. Arsenal favors lower upfront payments with performance-based add-ons. In contrast, Sporting wants a higher guaranteed sum.
Arsenal want deal done before Asia tour
The Gunners want to conclude the deal before their pre-season tour of Asia. Arteta wants his new striker integrated quickly. Gyökeres has agreed to personal terms on a five-year deal. He even gave up €2 million in wages to push the move.
Sporting are preparing for life after Gyökeres. They signed Romulo Cardoso as his replacement. Arsenal’s interest in Benjamin Sesko has cooled due to disagreements. Therefore, Gyökeres remains Arteta’s primary target.
Final thoughts
Arsenal must act quickly to secure Gyökeres. The striker is crucial to Arteta’s plans for next season. Furthermore, securing him before the pre-season tour is important. The Gunners need a reliable goal scorer to challenge for the Premier League title. A successful transfer will boost the squad’s morale.
The Gunners should prioritize meeting Sporting’s demands for the fee structure. This will ensure the deal goes through smoothly. Gyökeres is worth the investment for Arsenal. He can provide the goals needed to compete at the highest level. Consequently, Arsenal must finalize the transfer swiftly.
