Arsenal Make Progress on £51m Striker Transfer Ahead of Key Talks | OneFootball

Gyokeres to Arsenal: Progress, Patience and the Price of a Proper No.9

Arsenal Zero in on Gyokeres After Standout Season in Portugal

As the search for a proven striker sharpens, Arsenal’s gaze remains fixed on Lisbon. FootballTransfers reports that the Gunners are making significant progress in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, with fresh talks scheduled after Sporting CP’s Portuguese Cup final clash with Benfica on 25 May.

The Swedish striker has become the standout name on Arsenal’s summer shortlist, edging out other high-profile options such as Alexander Isak, Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins. With 52 goals and 12 assists in just 49 appearances this season, Gyokeres is not just in prolific form—he’s the leading contender for the European Golden Shoe.

This is not an idle flirtation. Since the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director, Arsenal’s focus has sharpened, and a summer move for the 26-year-old Swede has emerged as a priority. The message from within appears clear: Mikel Arteta wants a focal point to complete his attack, and Gyokeres fits the bill.

Photo IMAGO

Negotiations Enter a Critical Stage

There is, however, a necessary patience to this deal. While previous reports suggested renewed contact with Gyokeres’ camp, FootballTransfers clarify: “Recent reports have indicated that new discussions have taken place with Gyokeres’ representatives, but we have been informed that no fresh meetings have occurred. In fact, sources close to the situation say that all parties are already aligned on the proposed contract package.”

In other words, the player’s side is onboard. The remaining hurdle lies in Sporting CP’s valuation and, more specifically, the structure of any potential deal.

The Portuguese club, emboldened by Gyokeres’ electric campaign and with three years left on his current deal, are expected to demand a sizeable upfront fee—possibly even the full amount. With his Estimated Transfer Value standing at €75 million, Arsenal must now navigate not only the total cost but the terms of payment.

Strategy Behind Arsenal’s Pursuit

Arsenal’s admiration for Gyokeres stems from more than just numbers. His ability to lead the line, create space for others, and press from the front aligns with the club’s attacking identity under Arteta. The club see him not just as a striker, but as the final cog in a system built for sustained success.

Despite exploring alternatives in Isak, Šeško, and Watkins, the consistency and physical profile of Gyokeres—married with his ruthless finishing—appear to have made him the standout choice.

What remains now is to bridge the gap between clubs, with talks expected to intensify after the Taca de Portugal final.

Photo: IMAGO

Commercial Weight of a Marquee Move

While Sporting’s asking price may raise eyebrows, Arsenal know the cost of standing still. With Champions League ambitions and a title challenge in mind, a striker of Gyokeres’ calibre could tilt the balance in the Premier League’s fine margins.

Add to that the commercial impact—a Golden Shoe winner in the making, a Sweden international, and a striker in his prime—and it becomes clear why Arsenal are prepared to play the long game.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, this report from FootballTransfers is both exciting and frustrating in equal measure. Gyokeres looks like the perfect fit—strong, clinical, mobile, and in the form of his life. His numbers are outrageous, but more importantly, his style suits Arteta’s setup down to the ground.

The thought of him linking with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard is mouth-watering. But there’s always that anxiety around our negotiating team when it comes to getting big deals over the line. Sporting demanding a chunk—or even all—of the fee upfront is no surprise. They know what they’ve got.

It feels like a defining summer for Arsenal. We’ve come close to silverware, but without a reliable No.9, we’ve often lacked the killer instinct. Gyokeres could change that. The hope is that the club matches ambition with urgency. We’ve been patient before—and missed out. This time, let’s get it done.