July 13, (THEWILL) — Arsenal are nearing the completion of a deal to sign Sweden striker, Viktor Gyökeres, from Sporting CP following advanced negotiations that now include a formal agreement in principle. Sporting confirmed on Sunday that the English Premier League club have agreed to pay €63.5 million upfront, with a further €10 million in potential add-ons. The striker’s agent has reportedly waived his fee to ensure the transfer proceeds without further delay.
Talks had stalled for weeks due to Sporting president, Frederico Varandas, resisting what Gyökeres believed to be a prior verbal agreement for a €60 million departure fee. Arsenal’s offer surpasses that amount, and the club have moved swiftly in recent days to finalise personal terms. Gyökeres, who has stayed away from Sporting’s pre-season training camp, is expected to sign a five-year contract and link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad before the start of the new campaign.
The 27-year-old joined Sporting in 2023 from Coventry City and delivered a staggering 54 goals in 52 appearances last season. He played a central role in helping the Portuguese side win both the League and Cup. Arsenal identified him as their first-choice striker target earlier this year and have beaten off interest from other European clubs to complete the move. Gyökeres is understood to have prioritised a switch to north London throughout the discussions.
Gyökeres would become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Christian Nørgaard from Brentford, and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. A deal has also been agreed in principle for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Arsenal struggled with a lack of a recognised centre-forward last season, with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to play as a false nine during the title run-in.
While Gyökeres has drawn attention for his goal record, analysts suggest his movement and off-the-ball running offer additional value. He is known for stretching defences by targeting space behind the backline and operating across the width of the pitch. However, his aerial threat remains limited, with no headed goals in league action last season. Even so, his physicality, directness, and efficiency in front of goal could reshape Arsenal’s attacking dynamic in the 2025/2026 campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
