It looks like Arsenal’s long and drawn-out pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres might finally be nearing the finish line. After months of waiting, negotiating, and chasing shadows, David Ornstein has now revealed that the Gunners are in the final stages of completing the deal for the Sporting Lisbon striker.
For fans, this one has felt like it would never end. The Gyökeres transfer saga has dragged on since the start of the summer window, with reports of talks, interest, disagreements, and everything in between.
But now, with Arsenal stepping up in a big way financially and the player fully committed to the move, it looks like they might finally get their man.
Arsenal’s Long Search for a Proper No. 9
Arsenal have been short of a proper striker for a while. Havertz has done a decent job, but he’s not really a natural No. 9. Jesus has his moments too, but he’s either injured or just not consistent enough.
Nketiah hasn’t quite stepped up, and Balogun was already moved on last summer. So yeah, they’ve been needing someone who really fits that role.
Mikel Arteta knows it. Edu knows it. The fans definitely know it. If Arsenal really want to keep up with City again this season, they can’t afford to mess around they need a striker who’ll bang in goals, simple as that.
Someone who can hit 20 or more in the league, not just chip in here and there. And honestly, Gyökeres looks like that kind of player.
He’s been on fire in Portugal. Since moving to Sporting, he’s bagged 43 goals in just over 50 appearances one of the most impressive goal returns across Europe last season.
Those numbers aren’t just good, they’re elite. Only a few players in Europe have matched that kind of output in the past 12 months.
The Gentleman’s Agreement… That Wasn’t
What made things even more frustrating for Arsenal behind the scenes was that Gyökeres believed he had a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas.
Apparently, there was a verbal understanding that if an offer of around €60 million came in this summer, he’d be allowed to leave.
But when Arsenal made contact, things didn’t go as expected. Sporting suddenly raised their demands. They wanted closer to €70 million plus add-ons a lot more than initially discussed. From Gyökeres’ side, it felt like a betrayal.
According to sources, Gyökeres wasn’t too happy about how things were playing out. He felt like Sporting had made a promise and were now backing out or just slowing everything down for no reason.
Even with all that, he didn’t kick up a fuss. He just kept quiet, stayed focused, and made it clear behind the scenes that Arsenal was the only move he wanted. Fair play to him for that it showed he was serious.
Arsenal Finally Make a Move
Earlier this month, news broke that Arsenal had already agreed personal terms with Gyökeres. It’s believed he’ll sign a five-year deal with a big pay rise a major step up from what he was earning in Portugal. All that was left was for the two clubs to agree on a fee.
Over the weekend, Arsenal finally stepped up. According to Ornstein in The Athletic, they made “formal advances” on the deal, trying to iron out the final details and bring the striker to North London.
Fabrizio Romano also backed up those claims. He tweeted:
“The agreement between Arsenal and Sporting for Viktor Gyökeres, getting closer after new contacts today.
Negotiations between clubs never off despite reports, as Gyökeres only wanted Arsenal.
#AFC now willing to get closer to €70m plus €10m add-ons as Sporting want.”
That was a clear sign that Arsenal were done messing around. They wanted to get this done and fast.
Later, Ornstein followed up with an even more specific update:
“Sporting confirm a deal in principle is in place, with an agreement of a €63.5 million fixed upfront fee plus €10 million in add-ons, while the striker’s agent has waived his fee to help facilitate the deal.”
That part is important. His agent stepping aside financially to help get the deal over the line says a lot. Everyone involved seems to want this move to happen.
What This Means for Arsenal’s Attack
If Arsenal do get Gyökeres through the door, he’ll be their fourth summer signing after Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Nørgaard. They’ve also agreed a deal with Chelsea for Noni Madueke, though that one hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
That’s a serious amount of business already and we’re only in July. Arteta isn’t wasting time this window. The goal is clear: build a squad that’s deep, balanced, and ready to go toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s machine.
Gyökeres fits what Arsenal need. He’s quick, strong, direct, and clinical in front of goal. He can also press, hold up play, and link with others, all key traits in Arteta’s system. Plus, at 6ft 2in, he gives them an aerial threat they’ve been missing.
Don’t be shocked if he goes straight into the starting lineup. With the way he plays and what Arsenal need right now, it just makes sense.
How Are the Fans Feeling?
Pretty much what you’d expect some are buzzing, some are still a bit cautious. Arsenal fans have seen a lot over the years, so reactions are all over the place.
But the majority are buzzing. After years of being linked with big strikers and not landing them, think Dusan Vlahovic or Tammy Abraham, this one feels different.
One fan on X wrote:
“We finally went for a striker and didn’t bottle it. Gyökeres isn’t just hype. The guy’s been a monster in Portugal. Can’t wait to see him at the Emirates.”
Another said:
“This feels like the missing piece. With Gyökeres, we’re finally a proper threat. Jesus and Havertz can play support roles and rotate. This guy can be our Haaland.”
But of course, there’s some caution. Portuguese league goals don’t always translate perfectly to the Premier League. For every Bruno Fernandes, there’s a Darwin Núñez or Raul Jiménez who took time to adjust.
Still, with the work Arteta and his staff have done with other players like turning Declan Rice into a dominant box-to-box engine, there’s real belief that Gyökeres will be used the right way.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, Arsenal should wrap this up in the coming days. It’s not official just yet they still have to sort the medical and all the paperwork but it’s nearly there.
The key steps are done. Gyökeres wants the move. Sporting have accepted the offer. Arsenal have the money and the intent. Now it’s about getting pen to paper.
If all goes well, we could see Gyökeres in red and white for Arsenal’s preseason tour later this month. That would be a huge boost for Arteta, who’ll want his new striker integrated with the squad as soon as possible.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about signing a good striker. This is Arsenal showing they’re serious again. They’re not just building a team to compete they’re building a team to win. Back-to-back second-place finishes behind City have hurt, but they’ve also lit a fire under the club.
In years past, Arsenal might’ve backed away from a €70 million fee. Not anymore. They’ve got Champions League money, a clear strategy, and an ambitious manager.
This Gyökeres move is a statement: they’re going for the title, and they’re not afraid to spend to get there.
As for Gyökeres himself, he’ll know the pressure is massive. But he’s used to proving people wrong. From his days at Coventry to becoming one of the top scorers in Europe at Sporting, he’s made every step count.
Now comes the biggest step of his career. If he hits the ground running at Arsenal, the sky’s the limit for him and for the club.
WanderlustSport Verdict
This deal might’ve taken longer than expected, but Arsenal fans should be excited. Gyökeres brings something different something this team has been crying out for.
He’s not just another name he’s a game-changer. If this one goes through as expected, don’t be surprised if he ends up being one of the signings of the season.