David Ornstein: Arsenal Agree €73.5m Deal for Star Striker | OneFootball

Arsenal Strike €73.5m Deal for Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP

Swedish Goal Machine on His Way to North London

Arsenal have agreed a deal worth up to €73.5million for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The package includes a €63.5m (£54.8m) fixed fee and €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons. Gyokeres’ agent has reportedly waived his commission to help facilitate the move – a gesture that speaks volumes about the forward’s desire to join the Gunners.

The transfer saga has stretched throughout the summer due to protracted negotiations. Sporting president Frederico Varandas had been holding out, rejecting what Gyokeres believed was a pre-agreed departure clause set at €60m plus €10m in add-ons. Arsenal’s superior proposal appears to have broken the deadlock.

Notably, the 27-year-old Sweden international has not reported for pre-season with Sporting, underlining his intent to complete the move. A five-year contract is in place, with Mikel Arteta keen to integrate him into the squad as quickly as possible.

A Statement Signing for Arsenal’s Ambition

Arsenal’s pursuit of a natural No. 9 has been no secret. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus struggling for fitness last season, the Gunners often played without a recognised centre-forward. Mikel Merino even filled in up front during the season’s closing stages – a testament to how stretched Arsenal’s attacking options were.

Photo: IMAGO

The signing of Gyokeres is, therefore, a strategic and symbolic shift. A centre-forward by trade, the Swede’s numbers are nothing short of staggering: 54 goals in 52 games last season, as Sporting stormed to a league and cup double. Since arriving from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has blossomed into one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.

Arteta’s Summer Rebuild Takes Shape

Gyokeres becomes Arsenal’s fourth confirmed signing this summer. The Gunners have already welcomed midfield reinforcements in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard from Brentford, while Kepa Arrizabalaga joins to bolster the goalkeeping department. A deal is also reportedly agreed for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Sporting director Andrea Berta, who recently joined the club, had long admired Gyokeres and was instrumental in pushing the move. According to The Athletic, Arsenal identified him as their primary centre-forward target as early as March.

With Gyokeres prioritising Arsenal over other suitors, and given his impressive return at international level – 15 goals in 26 caps for Sweden – the Gunners are securing a player who not only fits Arteta’s tactical vision but arrives with the hunger to prove himself in the Premier League.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this deal is massive. It feels like the missing piece of the puzzle is finally being added. Last season’s title challenge faltered in the final third – not because of structure or desire, but simply a lack of ruthlessness up front. Gyokeres’ stats scream productivity, and more importantly, consistency. That kind of profile is hard to come by in today’s market.

The fact he chose Arsenal over other clubs shows this project is attractive to top talent. Fans will be buoyed by the ambition the club is showing this summer, and rightly so. After seasons of near misses, this could be the transfer that helps close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City.

Of course, there are risks. Gyokeres hasn’t played in the Premier League before, and the physicality and tempo of English football can take time to adjust to. But if he replicates even 75% of his output from Portugal, he’ll be a game-changer.