Arsenal remain active in the race but risk losing ground as Juventus step up their pursuit
Juventus have moved into what Italian media describe as “pole position” to sign Viktor Gyökeres, but the Sporting CP striker is still understood to favour a move to Arsenal.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are now in direct negotiations with both Sporting and Gyökeres’s entourage. A formal offer is expected shortly, with the Serie A club aiming to meet the striker’s personal demands of €7.5 million (£6.3 million) net per season.
The total package would represent a significant financial commitment, but still falls below the wages currently earned by Dušan Vlahović.
While Gyökeres’s release clause stands at €100 million (£84.5 million), Sporting are reportedly prepared to accept a deal worth €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses. Juventus are believed to be working towards that figure, with Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas stating publicly, “I will not ask for €100 million,” while still holding firm on rejecting lower bids.
Arsenal, for their part, remain actively involved in the race and have already submitted an offer of €55 million plus €10 million in add-ons. While that proposal has not been accepted, there has been no indication that Arsenal have withdrawn their interest. According to Record, the club had been willing to raise their offer to €70 million in total.
Gyökeres is still believed to prefer a move to north London, both for the opportunity to play in the Premier League and to work under Mikel Arteta. However, Arsenal’s position is complicated by budgetary considerations and the availability of alternative targets.
Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig has re-emerged as a strong option, with a deal potentially available for around €65 million.
Arsenal have also held discussions over Ollie Watkins, who is expected to be available for approximately £40 million. Both forwards represent less expensive alternatives to Gyökeres, whose price remains at the top end of the club’s attacking shortlist.
Gyökeres scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting across two seasons and has attracted serious interest from across Europe and Saudi Arabia. While he remains open to several destinations, his preferred move to Arsenal now depends on whether the club are prepared to return with a higher bid.