Arsenal close to sealing £69m deal for Viktor Gyokeres after breakthrough in negotiations
By ZAC CAMPBELL and SIMON JONES
Arsenal are on the brink of agreeing a deal worth around £69million for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres after a breakthrough in negotiations on Sunday.
The 27-year old had been threatened with disciplinary action by Sporting president Frederico Varandas after failing to return to pre-season training on Friday but had appealed to the club to allow him to achieve his dream move to Arsenal.
Varandas had rejected Arsenal's last offer of £60m all in for Gyokeres and warned them they would not get the Sweden international unless they upped their offer and promised a greater sum up front as part of the bid's structure.
The clubs are now close to agreement while Gyokeres has agreed a five year contract.
However, Arsenal now appear to have met a valuation in excess of that number that paves the way for Gyokeres to move to the Emirates Stadium.
That would come as a boost to Mikel Arteta, who appears keen to settle in his new signings before the start of the Premier League season.
Arsenal are reportedly inching closer to signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres
The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a move to north London
Gyokeres scored 54 goals for Sporting last term across all competitions, and is rated as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
The former Coventry City and Brighton striker currently has three years still remaining on his contract with the Portuguese giants, though it appears unlikely in the extreme that he will be seeing out those terms as things stand.
Since making a £20m switch from Coventry to Sporting in 2023, Gyokeres has gone on a remarkable scoring spree in Portugal, netting 97 times in just 102 appearances across two seasons.
Gyokeres scored 43 goals for Coventry in his two and a half seasons, but never got to suit up in the Premier League for Brighton.
He has previously spoken of his desire to return to the English top flight, to get revenge for his empty spell with the Seagulls.
The Swedish international's potential move would continue what has already been a busy summer for the Gunners as they look to clinch a first Premier League title in 21 years next season.
Arsenal have already announced the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £60million.
Zubimendi, 26, has signed a five-year deal with the Gunners, who were able to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.
Mikel Arteta has been busy in the transfer market already as he looks to add further reinforcements to his side
The Spanish international has long been courted by Mikel Arteta's side, who have now finally managed to land one of their key targets.
They have also activated goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's £5million release clause that has seen him move from Chelsea.
He could yet be followed in departing Stamford Bridge for north London by Noni Madueke, who the Gunners are reportedly close to signing for £52million.
Arsenal have also been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo ahead of kick-off for the 2025-26 season.
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