Arsenal have received the green light in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, as Sporting Lisbon are reportedly willing to accept a deal based around bonuses for their prolific frontman.
Softfootball can report that the Sweden international has been on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist of forward targets, along with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, and Dusan Vlahovic, as the Gunners boss looks for a significant upgrade at the position.
The Portuguese champions are said to be open to flexibility in the structure of a deal for Gyokeres this summer, but are holding firm on their €80m (£69m) asking price.
Gyokeres’ decision to prioritise a move to North London was heavily influenced by his conversations with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who outlined a clear vision of the striker’s role in the club’s long-term project.
Arteta’s promise of a central role in Arsenal’s attacking plans, coupled with the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, proved crucial in convincing Gyokeres to reject more financially lucrative options elsewhere.
Sporting are believed to be willing to accept a bid worth €70m plus €10m in bonuses for the ‘unbelievable’ striker, as Arsenal remain attentive to the situation amid their ongoing search for a new number nine.
Gyokeres, praised as ‘the best striker in the world’, is under contract with Sporting until the summer of 2028 and is believed to have a release clause worth €100m (£85m).
The 26-year-old striker is likely to leave the Portuguese club this summer, although, according to A Bola, Sporting expect him to report for the start of pre-season on Monday.
There is believed to be tension between the two camps amid a dispute over Gyokeres’ transfer fee, after his agent claimed there was a prior agreement allowing him to depart for around €60–70 million this summer.
Softfootball previously reported that Chelsea has joined Arsenal in pursuit of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. Chelsea has entered the race to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, competing directly with Arsenal and Juventus for the highly sought-after forward.
Gyokeres has enjoyed a standout season in Portugal, netting 54 goals in 52 appearances and helping Sporting secure the league and cup double. Despite the reported interest, Sporting’s vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha insists the club is not under pressure to sell the 26-year-old.
With three years remaining on Gyokeres’ contract, Sporting’s priority remains retaining their top talent as they aim to defend their domestic titles and maintain competitiveness across all competitions.
