Breaking: Arsenal Finalise Gyokeres Transfer in Blockbuster Deal After Juventus Snub & Sporting Fallout

Arsenal are on the verge of landing their top striker target this summer, with advanced talks now underway between the Gunners and Sporting Lisbon for Swedish goal machine Viktor Gyokeres. 

After months of speculation and juggling interest in both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal have made their final decision, and it’s a blockbuster move for the Sporting Lisbon ace. The North London club have reportedly agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old striker, setting the stage for a high-profile switch from Portugal’s Primeira Liga to the Premier League. 

While Benjamin Sesko was initially viewed as Mikel Arteta’s preferred target, the tide has now turned. Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko faded after the Slovenian extended his stay at RB Leipzig, putting Arsenal back at square one in their mission to finally secure a world-class striker. 

Gyokeres has always been a prominent name in the Gunners’ scouting reports, and now, with club-to-club negotiations progressing rapidly, it’s believed the “closing line” is in sight. 

Sky Sports reports that Gyokeres and Arsenal have already agreed on a five-year contract, showcasing the striker’s strong desire to move to the Emirates. This comes despite a massive £11 million-per-year contract offer from Juventus, which Gyokeres turned down in favour of a move to Arsenal. 

The Swede’s ambition to join the Gunners has been unwavering, even in the face of rival interest from Manchester United, who are now shifting their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. 

Sources close to the player reveal that Gyokeres is reportedly furious with Sporting Lisbon, who are accused of reneging on a gentleman’s agreement to sell the striker for a figure well below his release clause. The breakdown in trust has made a Sporting stay virtually impossible. 

In a revealing interview, Sporting Lisbon president Federico Varandas confirmed that the club is indeed in talks, but will not be held ransom: 

“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,” Varandas said. 

“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+10 million. 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 65 million, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75 million 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.” 

After finishing second in the Premier League for the third season running, Arteta’s side is desperate for a striker who can convert dominance into silverware. Gyokeres, with his strength, speed, and clinical finishing, is seen as the ideal candidate to elevate Arsenal’s attacking threat. 

This transfer could mark a major shift in Arsenal’s fortunes, and the club seems determined to get it over the line before pre-season preparations kick into full gear.