Sporting Star Moves Up Arsenal’s Shortlist Ahead of Summer Window | OneFootball

Gyokeres Steps to the Front of Arsenal’s Striker Queue

Arsenal’s search for a clinical striker this summer has intensified, and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is suddenly the name on everyone’s lips. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injuries, Mikel Arteta is short of a recognised centre-forward. It’s forced him to get creative — even deploying Mikel Merino as an emergency striker.

Sporting director Andrea Berta, whose appointment was confirmed on Sunday, is reportedly a long-term admirer of Gyokeres. Now with the Swede hitting ridiculous numbers in Portugal, the admiration is turning into serious interest. According to The Athletic, Gyokeres “has recorded 85 goals and 26 assists in 92 games for Sporting”, and has scored 30 goals in 26 league appearances this season alone. It’s form that simply can’t be ignored.

Arsenal had eyes on Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United’s hard stance on their prized asset — and the likely sky-high fee — has cooled that pursuit. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains on the radar, though multiple clubs are circling the 21-year-old Slovenia international.

In that context, Gyokeres emerges as a compelling option — a striker in his peak years, in scintillating form, and potentially more attainable than the others on Arteta’s shortlist.

Photo: IMAGO

Later Bloomer, Ruthless Finisher

What’s particularly interesting is Gyokeres’ career arc. As The Athletic highlights in their excellent analysis from The Transfer Radar 2025, “Like Luca Toni, Chris Wood and Larry David, Gyokeres has bloomed a little later in his career than most.”

Having come through the ranks at Brommapojkarna in Sweden, he took the long route via Brighton, Swansea and then Coventry City, where he was finally entrusted as the main striker. And it’s that central role that unlocked his potential.

“He is pretty quick but not especially rapid, his technique is good but he is not particularly skilful. What he possesses — again, like Kane — is an unflinching desire to improve and score goals.”

The work ethic is there. The stats are jaw-dropping. But there’s a deeper character trait that makes him a fit for Arsenal’s culture: resilience.

Not Just a Primeira Liga Wonder?

Still, there’s a cautionary tale hiding in plain sight. “Strikers Carlos Vinicius, Islam Slimani and, to an extent, Darwin Nunez have struggled to transfer their Primeira Liga form in Portugal to the Premier League.”

It’s a fair point. Portugal’s top flight has been a mixed bag when it comes to producing forwards who thrive in England. Yet Gyokeres may be built differently. As The Guardian notes: “His hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League suggests so.”

Scoring three past Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t something you do by chance. It’s a statement. And it’s likely one that’s accelerated Arsenal’s interest.

Urgency at the Emirates

Arsenal’s failure to land Ollie Watkins in January, along with the unfruitful pursuit of Alvaro Morata, speaks volumes about how tight the elite striker market is. “Strengthening up front is a priority for Arsenal,” and with Fulham next on the fixture list, Arteta’s options remain frustratingly thin.

If there’s a time to act, it’s now. Waiting may only invite competition or a change of heart from Sporting. With Berta installed and the scouting work on Gyokeres already deep, all signs point to a potential summer move.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal supporter, it’s impossible not to be buzzing about the idea of Viktor Gyokeres leading our line next season. We’ve cried out for a proper No.9 — someone with presence, goals, and that killer instinct. The numbers speak for themselves: 30 goals in 26 league games? That’s elite.

What’s even more exciting is his journey. This isn’t a wonderkid who burst onto the scene and faded. This is a player who’s worked, grafted and developed into a world-class finisher. That shows mental strength — something we’ve lacked in big moments.

Yes, the Portuguese league isn’t the Premier League. Yes, there are risks. But Gyokeres isn’t just scoring tap-ins. He’s bullying defenders, bending in screamers, and bagging hat-tricks against teams like Manchester City. That’s the kind of player who could change our season.

With Andrea Berta on board and Mikel Arteta clearly pushing for a striker who fits the system, Gyokeres looks like the perfect blend of now and next. If the board backs this move, it might just be the missing piece we’ve all been waiting for.