Arsenal are closing in on a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the club now in advanced talks to finalise a deal for the prolific Swede.
Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Gunners have already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the 27-year-old, and there is growing confidence that a full agreement with Sporting is within reach.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is leading negotiations and, according to L’Equipe, views Gyokeres as a key piece in Arsenal’s summer rebuild. He is pushing to complete the signing swiftly, with the forward having made it clear he wants to join Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Gyokeres scored a staggering 54 goals across all competitions last season and is viewed by Arsenal as the ideal solution to their long-standing No.9 problem — one that arguably cost them silverware during a campaign that saw them finish second in the Premier League and reach the semi-finals in both the Champions League and League Cup.
While RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko had also been under consideration, Arsenal’s focus has now shifted entirely to Gyokeres, with Tavolieri stating that Sesko is “moving away” from the Gunners’ plans.
Sporting have been holding firm on their €80m (£68.6m) valuation, but Arsenal believe progress is being made on a structured deal that could bring that figure down through favourable payment terms.
Berta, who was appointed sporting director in March, is under pressure to deliver a summer window that finally gives Arteta the firepower required to turn near misses into trophies.
Arsenal are not involved in the Club World Cup, which gives them a rare opportunity to prepare with a full pre-season and a strengthened squad.
Despite interest from other English clubs, Gyokeres has made it known behind the scenes that Arsenal is his preferred destination. His camp is pushing hard for the move, and all parties believe a resolution could be reached soon.
The Gunners are also working on other key additions, including a centre-back and a creative winger, but the Gyokeres deal has now become the club’s priority.
If completed, the signing would represent a major statement of intent — and perhaps the final piece in Arteta’s title-winning puzzle.
