Viktor Gyokeres takes drastic decision to force through Arsenal move and it changes everything

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly considering doing an extreme thing to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Gyokeres, 27, has been heavily linked with a move away from his current side, Sporting CP, all summer, having registered 54 goals in 52 appearances for the Portuguese champions in 2024/25.

The Swede has attracted the interest of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Manchester United, but Arsenal seem his most likely destination.

According to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Arsenal are close to an agreement with Sporting regarding a transfer.

The deal could reach €80 million (£69 million), which would make him the most expensive Swedish player in football history, ahead of Alexander Isak and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

On Sunday (July 6), The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that although Arsenal are in advanced talks with Sporting over Gyokeres, a deal is not done as discussions are continuing over the fee.

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image:Getty)

Mikel Arteta is said to be ‘pushing’ for the deal to be completed so Gyokeres can begin pre-season with the Gunners.

Also on Sunday, Fabrizio Romano issued an update via his YouTube channel.

Romano said: “Today guys, we have to open with a big bomba that will mark this summer transfer window because Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal – that here we go is expected very soon. Could be a matter of hours maximum days, but Arsenal are getting really, really close to signing Viktor Gyokeres.

“It’s a big one because Arsenal have been looking for a striker for a long time, but now we are almost there in this race to find the new number nine for Mikel Arteta, and Viktor Gyokeres looks to be the man.

Viktor Gyokeres is willing to take drastic action (Credit:Getty)

“Why? What happened in the last 24-48 hours, in secret, in silence, in Portugal, with direct talks, Arsenal have been advancing a lot in conversations with Sporting for Victor Gyokeres."

He also took to X and suggested that Gyokeres was willing to make a huge sacrifice to get the deal over the line.

Romano wrote: “Viktor Gyökeres has accepted to give up €2m from his salary in order to facilitate negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting. Sporting insist on a higher fee compared to Arsenal proposal, and Gyökeres tries his best, also giving up money to make it happen.”

CNN Portugal reported on Monday, that Gyokeres is expected to return to Sporting training on Friday 11 July, later than most of his teammates. Although a transfer could be completed by then.