By Odey Otunu
Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Sporting CP for the transfer of highly sought-after striker Viktor Gyokeres in a deal worth €73.5 million, marking one of the standout moves of the summer window.
The Gunners will pay an initial €63.5 million (£54.8m; $74.2m) with an additional €10 million in add-ons. The Swedish international has been granted permission by Sporting to travel to London, where he is expected to undergo his medical on Saturday before signing a five-year contract.
Gyokeres will don Arsenal’s historic No. 14 shirt — a number immortalized by the club’s all-time leading scorer, Thierry Henry. That legacy underscores the club’s faith in the 27-year-old forward, who had eyes only for Arsenal despite late interest from other top clubs. In a gesture of commitment to the move, his agent even waived his commission to ensure the transfer was completed.
Having scored an extraordinary 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting last season, Gyokeres quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific and in-demand forwards. His arrival offers Arsenal a much-needed focal point up front after an injury-hit 2024–25 season that saw them finish second in the Premier League — ten points behind champions Liverpool and with 17 goals fewer.
Gyokeres’ journey to the top has been anything but conventional. After leaving Brighton & Hove Albion for just £1 million in 2021, he flourished at Coventry City before earning a £17 million move to Sporting in 2023. In Portugal, he became a dominant force, amassing 97 goals and 28 assists, leading his side to back-to-back league titles and a Taça de Portugal win.
The Swede now becomes the headline addition in Arsenal’s first summer transfer window under new sporting director Andrea Berta. The club has already welcomed midfielders Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Christian Norgaard (Brentford), goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and winger Noni Madueke (both from Chelsea), and defender Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia).
On the international stage, Gyokeres made his debut for Sweden at just 20 years old and has since scored 15 goals in 26 appearances. He brings more than just a goal threat to Arsenal — he’s known for his relentless running, intelligent positioning, and explosive pace, often dragging defenders wide or making incisive runs behind the back line.
Despite his exceptional scoring record, he did not score a single header in league play last season — a potential area for improvement in the physically demanding Premier League. Arsenal’s patient, pass-heavy style may also require tactical adjustments from the Swede.
Still, analysts believe Gyokeres will add a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s side. His directness and physicality could provide the unpredictability Arsenal lacked at times last season. As the Gunners continue to evolve, the signing of a proven, hungry No. 9 may be the final piece in their quest to reclaim the Premier League title.
For Arsenal fans, the arrival of Gyokeres isn’t just about goals — it’s about belief that this team is ready to make history again.