Arsenal are edging closer to securing Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in what could be one of the biggest Premier League moves this summer. After weeks of complex negotiations, a deal is taking shape that balances financial pragmatism with Arsenal's ambition to reinforce their attacking line.
The Gunners identified Gyökeres, 27, as a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta's high-pressing system following a breakout season in Portugal, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions. Sporting have stood firm on his €100 million (£85 million) release clause, but Arsenal have worked behind the scenes to structure a more favourable package.

Talks have progressed around a proposal worth £55 million upfront, with £8.6 million in add-ons tied to performance and appearances. While that total still falls short of the full clause, a key turning point came when Gyokeres' agent agreed to waive a substantial commission, allowing more funds to flow directly to Sporting. This compromise brought the Gunners much closer to Sporting's valuation, without breaching Financial Fair Play constraints.
The player's camp has played a proactive role in driving the move forward. Reports from Portugal suggest Sporting made a "gentleman's agreement" when they signed Gyökeres from Coventry City in 2023, promising to facilitate a move if a top Champions League club showed serious interest. Despite this, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has refused to budge easily, insisting on a fair deal.
Adding urgency, Gyokeres hasn't reported for Sporting's pre-season training, signalling his desire to join Arsenal.
As per The Athletic, the Gunners have made a progress in closing on the deal, but still, the final part of the add-ons and its structure are being discussed between the two parties. Hence, once that is sorted out, the Swede will be officially unveiled. Mikel Arteta is desperate to add him to the pre-season squad, which further intensifies the urgency of the deal from the North London club's side.
While the deal is not yet signed, momentum is clearly on Arsenal's side. If all continues to move forward, the Gunners could have their long-awaited striker before pre-season fully kicks off in the U.S.