As Arsenal inches closer to signing Viktor Gyokeres, the drama unfolding in Lisbon shows just how passionate football loyalties can be—and how quickly they shift when a star player decides it’s time to go.
Gyokeres Pushes for Premier League Dream Move
Viktor Gyokeres has made it no secret: he wants to play in the Premier League.
And more specifically, he wants to wear the red and white of Arsenal.
The Swedish striker has been pushing hard for a move this summer, with the Gunners sitting at the top of his wish list.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon dragged on, leading to Gyokeres skipping pre-season training last Friday.
That move didn’t go unnoticed—especially by Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who warned that disciplinary action could be on the table.
Deal Reached as Arsenal Finally Meet Sporting’s Demands
After weeks of talks, a deal was finally struck.
Arsenal will pay an initial £55 million, with an extra £7.4 million in performance-based bonuses.
Gyokeres has agreed to a five-year contract with the North London side, marking a major step in Arsenal’s quest for a top-tier striker.
Sporting Fans Send a Blunt Message to Their Departing Star
Sporting Lisbon fans didn’t hold back their feelings when the club faced Celtic in a pre-season friendly.
Two separate banners were displayed by supporters at the match—each one sending a loud and clear message to Gyokeres.
One banner read, “I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay,” while another boldly declared, “No one is above the club’s interests, no matter who they are.”
That second banner also included the rallying phrase “Focused on the Tri,” showing continued faith in new manager Rui Borges and the team’s ambition for a third straight league title—even though they lost 2-0 to Celtic that day.
From Hero to Villain? The Changing View of Gyokeres
It’s a dramatic turn of events for a player who was once adored by the Sporting faithful.
Gyokeres has been nothing short of sensational during his time in Portugal—scoring a jaw-dropping 97 goals in 102 matches.
Last season alone, he netted 54 times across all competitions.
His scoring record helped secure two league titles and a Portuguese Cup for Sporting, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
But the way he’s forcing his exit seems to be damaging his reputation with fans.
A Remarkable Journey from Coventry to North London
Gyokeres’ rise has been rapid. After an underwhelming stint at Brighton, he found his groove at Coventry City, scoring 43 goals over two and a half seasons.
Sporting took a chance on him in 2023, signing him for £20 million—and it paid off handsomely.
Now, the 26-year-old is set for another big leap in his career, this time to the Premier League.
If the move goes through, he’ll be a central piece in Arsenal’s plans to finally end their 21-year title drought.
Arsenal Gearing Up for a Big Season
Arsenal isn’t just stopping with Gyokeres. They’re reportedly closing in on Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who’s expected to complete a £52 million move across London.
Their summer spending spree also includes midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £60 million deal.
They’ve brought in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to back up David Raya and added Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford to strengthen the core.
Gunners Eager to Finalize Deal Before Asia Tour
Arsenal are hoping to finalize the Gyokeres transfer quickly—ideally before the team heads off for their pre-season tour of Asia at the end of the week.
Mikel Arteta clearly sees Gyokeres as the missing piece of the puzzle, especially in the search for a dependable, goal-scoring striker.
As for Sporting fans? They’re already looking ahead, determined to move on and rally around the players who are staying put.