Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Sporting’s prolific Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres in a deal valued at approximately £70 million.
This move signals a major step in the Gunners’ summer transfer strategy, with a new elite forward being their primary focus.
BBC Sport initially revealed Arsenal’s concentrated efforts on securing the 27-year-old.
Discussions concerning personal terms with Gyokeres and the transfer fee with the Lisbon club are accelerating, led by Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta.
Gyokeres has been a highly sought-after player after an exceptional two seasons in Portugal, where he scored an impressive 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting, contributing to back-to-back league titles.
This potential acquisition follows Arsenal’s recent £60 million signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, but the pursuit of Gyokeres is seen as pivotal for Mikel Arteta’s ambitions.
Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel highlights that Gyokeres is expected to be the key difference-maker for Arsenal next season, addressing past criticisms regarding the team’s lack of an elite striker.
The big question remains how his remarkable Portuguese goalscoring record will translate to the Premier League.
Gyokeres’ career has seen him evolve from a limited-opportunity player at Brighton to a formidable force.
After loan spells, including at St Pauli and Swansea City, he truly excelled at Coventry City, netting 43 goals in 116 appearances and becoming one of the Championship’s most prolific forwards.
This strong showing led to his £20 million move to Sporting, where he transformed into one of Europe’s most feared attackers.