After weeks of drama, the £55m game-changer has landed at Arsenal
Arsenal have finally secured the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, bringing an end to one of the summer’s most drawn-out transfer chases.
The 27-year-old striker has signed a five-year deal after Arsenal agreed a €63.5 million (£55 million) fee plus €10 million in potential add-ons. He will wear the iconic number 14 shirt and immediately join the squad for their pre-season tour in Asia.
Mikel Arteta called the move a major step for the club. “Viktor has so many qualities,” he said. “He’s quick, powerful and consistent, with a record that shows he knows how to score. We believe he can make an instant impact.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta, who spearheaded talks, described Gyokeres as a player who “fits perfectly with our vision” and “has the mentality to lead the line for Arsenal.”
Gyokeres’ arrival follows weeks of tense negotiations with Sporting, who initially resisted lowering their demands. At one point the forward refused to return for pre-season training in Lisbon, insisting that his future was in north London.
Even as Manchester United made late enquiries, Gyokeres’ camp stood firm, telling Sporting he would only leave for Arsenal.
For the Gunners, the signing answers a question that has hovered over the club since the start of the window: who would be their new No 9?
Early plans centred on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but stalled discussions and high costs shifted attention. Gyokeres’ proven scoring record and readiness to lead the attack made him the clear solution.
The Sweden international arrives with 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 matches for Sporting. He won back-to-back league titles in Portugal, finished as top scorer in both campaigns and has scored 15 goals in his last 26 international appearances.
He also has previous experience in English football, having played for Brighton (2018–21), Swansea (on loan, 2020–21) and Coventry City (2021–23) before his prolific spell in Lisbon.
After years of coming close in title races, Arsenal view Gyokeres as the striker capable of turning them from challengers into winners. Arteta made clear that urgency drove the final stages of the deal: “We’re delighted to have him. Now it’s about integrating him quickly. We’re ready for what comes next.”
For supporters who have waited through months of rumours, deadlocks and rival interest, the conclusion is clear: Arsenal have their striker, and expectations could not be higher.
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