After months of back-and-forth drama, tense negotiations, and even some tears, Arsenal are finally on the brink of landing one of Europe’s hottest goal-scorers — Viktor Gyökeres.
A Summer Saga Nears Its End
The North London club is reportedly set to agree a £63.4 million deal with Sporting Lisbon for the Swedish striker.
The deal would include a five-year contract for Gyökeres, who’s been one of the most talked-about names this transfer window after two incredible seasons in Portugal.
According to The Athletic, the deal is structured with a £54.8 million upfront fee and £8.4 million in add-ons.
And while it’s not officially sealed just yet, it’s said to be only a few formalities away from being completed.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiation Drama
This transfer has been far from straightforward.
Disagreements over bonus structures and payment schedules led to delays, with Sporting pushing for more money upfront.
Arsenal had hoped to get everything signed before their pre-season tour of Asia, but things dragged out longer than expected.
In fact, the situation got so stressful that, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the delay reportedly brought Gyökeres’ father to tears, fearing the whole thing might collapse at the final moment.
Agent Waives Commission to Push Deal Through
In a surprising twist that shows just how badly Gyökeres wants the move, his agent — Turkish businessman Hasan Cetinkaya — even waived his commission to help get the deal over the line.
Cetinkaya was also reportedly upset by how Gyökeres’ fellow Swede and former Manchester United player, Victor Lindelöf, was treated by Ruben Amorim, who now manages United and previously coached Gyökeres at Sporting.
That soured any chance of the striker heading to Old Trafford, despite Amorim’s interest.
Manchester United Tried to Hijack the Deal
In recent days, reports from Portugal suggested that Manchester United made another attempt to sign Gyökeres.
They were even said to have submitted bids higher than Arsenal’s.
But none of that swayed the striker, who made it clear he only wants to join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad.
That loyalty goes back a year — in summer 2023, Gyökeres reportedly turned down interest from eight Premier League clubs to join Sporting.
Now, with Arsenal knocking, he’s ready to return to England.
A Revenge Mission in the Premier League
Gyökeres has openly spoken about his desire to return to the Premier League after a frustrating stint at Brighton, where he never really got a chance.
His words are clear: “I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it’s something I would like to do. It would be a great revenge.”
This move to Arsenal could give him that exact opportunity — and with a chip on his shoulder, he’s ready to prove what he’s capable of in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
A Goal Machine in Portugal
There’s a reason Arsenal were so persistent.
Over two seasons with Sporting, Gyökeres scored a jaw-dropping 97 goals in 102 matches.
Last season alone, he racked up 54 goals in all competitions, making him one of Europe’s top goal-getters.
In his time in Portugal, he also won two league titles and the Portuguese Cup, further cementing his status as a big-game player.
From Coventry to Stardom
Gyökeres’ rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
He moved to Sporting in 2023 from Coventry City for £20 million after netting 43 goals in two-and-a-half seasons there.
That move proved to be a turning point, launching him into European football’s elite conversation.
Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures
As the Gunners continue their pre-season tour, they’re set to face AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, followed by a derby against Tottenham in Hong Kong.
However, fans likely won’t see Gyökeres in action until August 6, when Arsenal host Villarreal at the Emirates.
After that, Arteta’s men will finish their pre-season with a match against Athletic Club before opening their Premier League campaign with a blockbuster clash away at Manchester United — a poetic setting, perhaps, for Gyökeres to make his mark.
Arteta Finally Gets His Striker
If this deal goes through, it could finally end Arsenal’s long search for a proper high-calibre centre forward — the missing piece in Arteta’s push for a first Premier League title in over two decades.
For Gyökeres, it’s a dream return. For Arsenal, it could be the signing that changes everything.