Arsenal have finalized a deal to sign Sporting CP’s sensational striker Viktor Gyokeres for a fee of £63.5 million, with an additional £8.6 million in potential add-ons. The 27-year-old Sweden international, who has been the talk of European football following a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese champions sign his contract with the Gunners on Saturday, July 26. The transfer, which marks the end of a protracted saga, is a statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side as they aim to close the gap on champions Liverpool. Viktor will wear the number 14 shirt.
The north London club’s pursuit of a clinical No. 9 has been well-documented, with Arsenal’s attacking output last season—17 goals fewer than Liverpool’s—prompting Arteta to prioritize a world-class forward. After an unsuccessful bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko earlier in the summer, Arsenal turned their attention to Gyokeres, whose relentless goal-scoring form and physical presence made him the ideal candidate to spearhead their title challenge. The former Coventry City and Brighton man, who helped Sporting secure back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup, brings a proven pedigree and a hunger to succeed in England’s top flight.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting were far from straightforward, with the Portuguese club holding firm on their valuation. Sporting president Frederico Varandas had previously dismissed claims of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to let Gyokeres leave for a reduced fee, insisting that any deal reflect the striker’s status as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. A breakthrough came late on Tuesday when Arsenal submitted a revised offer, satisfying Sporting’s demands for achievable add-ons tied to appearances, goals, assists, and Champions League qualification. Gyokeres’ agent also played a pivotal role, waiving his commission to facilitate the move, underscoring the player’s determination to join Arsenal despite interest from Saudi clubs offering lucrative salaries.
Speaking at a press conference in Singapore, where Arsenal are currently on their pre-season tour, Arteta remained coy but optimistic about the imminent arrival. “I can’t talk about a player who isn’t ours yet, but we’re working hard to improve the squad. If we finalize a deal, we’ll integrate the player as quickly as possible,” he said, his measured tone barely concealing the excitement surrounding the signing.
Gyokeres brings a unique blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing to the Emirates. His 54 goals in 52 matches last season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, highlight his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. While questions remain about his adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity, his physicality and direct style suggest he is well-equipped to handle the challenge. Arsenal fans, starved of a prolific centre-forward, will hope Gyokeres can emulate Henry’s legacy and propel the club to their first league title since 2004.
The signing caps a busy transfer window for Arsenal, who have already bolstered their squad with midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million, Brentford’s Christian Norgaard for £15 million, and Chelsea duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke. With new sporting director Andrea Berta overseeing a strategic overhaul, the Gunners are signaling their ambition to compete on all fronts.