Sporting striker subject of concrete offer as Arsenal intensify search for centre-forward
Arsenal have submitted a formal offer for Viktor Gyökeres, escalating their long-standing pursuit of the Sporting CP striker in what could become one of the defining moves of the summer window.
According to reports in Portugal, the club’s bid falls below the €60 million (£51 million) mark in fixed payments, with the remainder structured through bonuses. Sporting are yet to accept the proposal, but negotiations are expected to continue.
Despite a €100 million (£84 million) release clause, Gyökeres is understood to have a gentleman’s agreement to leave for significantly less, though Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly denied any such commitment.
This is not the first time Portuguese media have claimed Arsenal have made a move for Gyökeres, nor is it the first to suggest that personal terms have already been agreed. While the club have not confirmed any such details, the mounting frequency of reports suggests talks are now at an advanced stage.
Gyökeres, 27, has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since his move from Coventry City to Lisbon last summer. He scored 39 goals and registered eight assists in 33 league appearances, playing a central role in Sporting’s title-winning campaign under Rúben Amorim. In total, he scored 54 goals, with 13 assists, in 52 games across all competitions.
Despite strong interest from Manchester United, who are also monitoring the player’s situation, Arsenal appear to have made the first concrete move. Sky Sports have reported that United are “exploring the conditions of a potential deal,” but have not yet submitted a formal offer.
David Ornstein recently confirmed that Arsenal’s striker shortlist is down to three names: Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Ollie Watkins. Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, he said: “It’s similar with Gyökeres, with Watkins. We’re not aware of other candidates.”
While there has been speculation that Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new sporting director, may be leveraging multiple targets to strengthen his hand in negotiations, sources close to the situation insist all three names remain under active consideration.
Arsenal have held talks with RB Leipzig regarding Šeško, but Ornstein stressed such conversations are “normal” at this stage and should not be seen as conclusive. “I’d be more surprised if Arsenal weren’t exploring all of that sort of stuff,” he said.
For Gyökeres, who has amassed 97 goals in 102 games since leaving English football, a Premier League return would represent a major personal step forward. A move to north London would also solve a long-standing issue for Mikel Arteta, whose side ended last season without a prolific striker.
Whether Arsenal’s current offer will satisfy Sporting remains to be seen. For now, what is clear is that the club have made their intentions known. Gyökeres is no longer just an option. He is a bid.