David Ornstein: Arsenal Close in on Gyokeres with Fee Discussions Still Ongoing | OneFootball

Gyokeres in Arsenal Talks as Arteta Seeks Ruthless No.9 for New Season

Talks Progress Over Gyokeres Transfer

Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Sporting CP to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with personal terms already agreed on a five-year deal. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, “A move for the 27-year-old striker is not done as discussions continue over the transfer fee — but the situation is progressing towards a conclusion.”

The Sweden international has long prioritised a switch to Arsenal, and it appears the deal now hinges on resolving the financial details with Sporting. Mikel Arteta is keen to have the situation finalised before his squad returns for pre-season training, underlining how central the striker is to Arsenal’s plans.

Photo IMAGO

Gyokeres, who scored a staggering 54 goals in 52 games during the 2024–25 season, has rapidly become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. His goals fired Sporting to a league and cup double, and his development since leaving Coventry City has been nothing short of remarkable.

Sporting Stand Firm as Arsenal Push Forward

Sporting have publicly taken a strong stance amid the speculation. Club president Frederico Varandas made clear that Sporting would not be strong-armed into a sale. He insisted, “The club had yet to receive any offers for the striker and said his side will not succumb to ‘blackmail and insults’.”

Arsenal’s interest dates back to at least March, with Ornstein confirming it was then that the club began actively pursuing Gyokeres. The admiration from newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta only intensified the pursuit. Though Benjamin Sesko was also tracked, Gyokeres appears to have become the clear first choice.

His journey to this point is instructive. After underwhelming spells at Brighton and loan moves to St. Pauli and Swansea, Gyokeres found his form at Coventry, scoring 43 goals before making the leap to Portugal. His time in Lisbon has proved he can dominate defences, though the Premier League will present new challenges.

Style of Play Could Suit Arsenal System

Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign was undermined by the lack of a fit centre-forward. Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus forced Arteta to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a temporary solution. Gyokeres, therefore, arrives not just as a finisher, but as a structural fix.

Photo: IMAGO

As The Athletic’s Thom Harris explains, “Gyokeres is a prodigious runner, direct, explosive, and with the physical capacity to repeat those movements at high intensity.” He does more than finish chances; he stretches defences, drives with power and opens up space. Arsenal, often dominant in possession, would gain a weapon that adds verticality and unpredictability.

There are areas for improvement. He is not dominant in the air, and space may be more limited in the Premier League than in Portugal. But the Swede’s relentless running, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a compelling fit for an Arsenal side looking to go one better in their pursuit of silverware.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many Arsenal fans, the prospect of Viktor Gyokeres arriving signals more than just another name on the team sheet. It is a statement of intent. The club need a No.9 who can play every week, score consistently, and lead from the front. With Gabriel Jesus struggling for consistent fitness and Havertz thriving slightly deeper, Gyokeres answers a clear call.

Of course, fans remain wary. They’ve seen players dominate outside the Premier League and struggle to adapt. Ultimately, if Arsenal want to win titles, they must evolve beyond their current patterns. Gyokeres offers that evolution. He is physical, driven and prolific, everything Arteta’s side lacked in the crucial months of last season.