Arsenal Closing In on Viktor Gyökeres Deal
This unexpected development has significantly accelerated the deal’s progress, placing the Gunners in pole position to land one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Photo/New York Times.
By Robert Assad
Arsenal are on the verge of completing a high-profile move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage and a total agreement now close.
The Premier League club is expected to pay a fixed fee of £55 million (€63.5m), with performance-related add-ons still being finalised and potentially rising to £8.6 million (€10m).
A key breakthrough came when Gyökeres’ agent agreed to waive a commission he was originally due, allowing Arsenal to reduce the guaranteed cost of the transfer without Sporting compromising on their valuation.
This unexpected development has significantly accelerated the deal’s progress, placing the Gunners in pole position to land one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards.
Gyökeres, 26, is coming off a sensational season in Portugal, and his underlying stats reflect his dominance. He scored 1.25 goals per 90 minutes — placing him in the 100th percentile among strikers in Europe’s top seven leagues. He also ranked in the top percentile for shots (4.46), touches in the opposition box (10.50), and chances created (1.99), showcasing a well-rounded attacking profile.
Here is how Gyökeres stacked up in key attacking metrics last season (per 90 minutes):
| Stat | Per 90 | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Goals scored | 1.25 | 100% |
| Shots | 4.46 | 97% |
| Assists | 0.22 | 84% |
| Chances created | 1.99 | 96% |
| Touches in opp. box | 10.50 | 100% |
| Take-ons completed | 1.93 | 95% |
| Possessions won (final 3rd) | 1.00 | 97% |
| Fast breaks | 0.74 | 98% |
Despite his attacking prowess, Gyökeres is less noted for his aerial ability (23rd percentile) and defensive contributions (total tackles – 9th percentile), though his physical presence and pressing intensity remain assets.
Signing a proven No. 9 has been a top priority for Mikel Arteta this summer as Arsenal look to take the final step in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The Gunners had considered several targets, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, but shifted focus to Gyökeres after identifying his goal output and tactical fit.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas had initially resisted a sale, publicly denying the existence of a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” that would have allowed Gyökeres to leave for £59 million (€70m). However, mounting interest — including from Manchester United, who made an approach via intermediaries — forced the Portuguese side to reassess their stance.
Gyökeres joined Sporting from Coventry City last summer and quickly became one of Europe’s standout strikers, netting 36 goals across all competitions in 2024–25. Should the deal be completed as expected, it would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who continue to back Arteta in reshaping the squad into genuine title contenders.
Final details on add-ons and personal terms are still being ironed out, but sources close to the deal indicate that Gyökeres could be unveiled as an Arsenal player before the end of the week.
About Author
