David Ornstein: €73.5m striker deal almost done as Arsenal finalise agreement | OneFootball

Arsenal Close In On Viktor Gyokeres Deal: A Statement Signing in the Making

Gyokeres Transfer Edges Closer to Completion

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal are on the cusp of completing a major summer signing, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres set to join the North London club. A deal in principle worth €63.5million (£54.8m) plus an additional €10m (£8.6m) in performance-related bonuses is nearing finalisation, pending only minor contractual details.

The delay in the transfer was caused by uncertainty surrounding the nature and achievability of those add-ons. However, talks have progressed significantly, with all parties optimistic that the deal will be concluded imminently.

Despite interest from elsewhere, Gyokeres was single-minded in his desire to join Arsenal. “Gyokeres was focused only on joining Arsenal and, despite late interest from elsewhere, he did not consider any other team.” His commitment to the move was underlined when his agent waived his commission to facilitate the transfer. A five-year contract, running until June 2030, has already been prepared.

Sporting Star With a Prolific Record

Gyokeres comes into the Premier League after an extraordinary season in Portugal, where he netted 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting during the 2024–25 campaign. That output helped secure a domestic double, and cemented his status as one of Europe’s most in-demand centre-forwards.

Frederico Varandas, Sporting’s president, revealed tensions behind the scenes as the deal dragged on. “Gyokeres would be issued a ‘heavy fine’ and told to apologise to his Sporting team-mates after the Swede missed the deadline to report for pre-season training amid Arsenal’s approach.”

Photo: IMAGO

It’s been a meteoric rise for the 27-year-old, who left Brighton & Hove Albion for just £1m in 2021 before flourishing at Coventry City. His £17m switch to Sporting in 2023 saw him reach another level, recording a staggering 97 goals and 28 assists in just two seasons.

Arsenal’s Ambitions Backed by Smart Recruitment

This transfer marks another aggressive move by Arsenal in what is their first summer under new sporting director Andrea Berta. With the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke already secured, the addition of Gyokeres addresses a key area of need.

Mikel Arteta’s side were without a consistent No. 9 last season, relying on a mix of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus — both of whom suffered injuries. The Gunners ultimately finished 10 points behind champions Liverpool, having scored 17 fewer goals.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this deal has all the hallmarks of a club learning from past mistakes. The Gunners’ title challenge last season faltered not through lack of effort or tactical nous, but a lack of cutting edge up front. Viktor Gyokeres could be the answer to that long-standing No. 9 issue.

The reported price tag may seem steep, but in the context of today’s transfer market and his goal return in Portugal, it’s a risk worth taking. “54 goals in 52 games” isn’t just form — it’s dominance. Arsenal haven’t had that kind of output through the middle since the days of Robin van Persie. If Gyokeres even replicates half of that efficiency in England, he could become a talismanic figure.

What will particularly excite supporters is the player’s reported desire to wear the red and white of Arsenal. In an era of drawn-out transfer sagas, this kind of conviction matters.

There will be questions about how he adapts to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but his strength, work rate, and eye for goal suggest he’s well equipped. With a solid pre-season under Arteta, he should integrate smoothly into a system designed to create chances aplenty.

Add Gyokeres to a squad now reinforced with depth and versatility, and Arsenal could finally be poised to go the distance.