Arsenal handed huge boost for Viktor Gyokeres transfer as Sporting close to agreement for replacement

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Evening Standard

·21. Juli 2025

Arsenal handed huge boost for Viktor Gyokeres transfer as Sporting close to agreement for replacement

Gunners are still searching for a full agreement with Sporting for the prolific striker

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Arsenal may be closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have completed four deals in the summer transfer window thus far, but manager Mikel Arteta says the plan is to continue adding to their squad ahead of the new season.

And amid links to the aforementioned Sporting striker, the Spaniard refused to comment on a deal but did hint that he hopes a move can be sealed eventually.

“You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet,” he said during a press conference in Singapore on Monday.“When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that.”

Arsenal are thought to be nearing an agreement for Gyokeres as a deal for the Swedish striker worth an initial €63.5million (£54.86m) plus a further €10m (£8.64m) in add-ons is has been in place for over a week.

However, Sporting have been playing hardball over the sale and there are reports that the delay is due to a debate over the nature and structure of the bonuses included.

That said, there is optimism a deal can be struck and an agreement could be reached very soon with Sporting said to close to signing a replacement for Gyokeres.

Former Watford striker Luis Javier Suarez has been earmarked to take over the mantle as chief goalscorer next season, but Almeria sporting director, Joao Goncalves, issued a major warning over the weekend.

Speaking to CNN Portugal, Goncalves said: “Luis has had his best season, he’s in the best moment of his career – 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve.

“We haven’t had any official contact with Sporting to date.

When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that

Mikel Arteta

“We haven’t received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we’re moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We’re managing our timing.

“He has a €40 million (£34.6m) release clause. To paraphrase Frederico Varandas – we’re not asking for the value of the clause, but we’re going to defend our interests.”

Sporting appear to have taken that warning on board as Fabrizio Romano has reported that talks with Almeria for Suarez have accelerated in recent hours with the final details for a transfer to be sorted this week.