Arsenal’s Breakthrough in Gyökeres Chase
Arsenal have taken a significant step toward signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, holding firm talks with his agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, on June 11, 2025, according to Record. The Gunners are now favorites to secure the 27-year-old Swedish striker, who is frustrated with Sporting for not honoring a gentleman’s agreement allowing a transfer for €60m (£50.6m) plus €10m in add-ons. Sporting have quoted a higher €80m (£67.5m) fee to Arsenal and Manchester United, though president Frederico Varandas denies any agreement, insisting only that the €100m (£84.3m) release clause isn’t mandatory. Arsenal’s meeting marks a “new phase” likely leading to a formal proposal soon.
Gyökeres’ Frustration and Arsenal’s Edge
Gyökeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting in 2024/25, including the Primeira Liga title, is reportedly “furious” at Sporting’s stance, believing they’ve reneged on a €60m-€70m deal, per Portuguese media. This has boosted Arsenal’s position, especially as they’ve prioritized Gyökeres over RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with whom talks are ongoing but not finalized. Manchester United, having signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, remain in the race but trail Arsenal, while Juventus are distant contenders. Arsenal’s Champions League status and Mikel Arteta’s project give them an advantage, with Gyökeres’ representatives already in London.
Deal Dynamics and Challenges
Sporting’s €80m demand, down from the €100m clause, reflects a verbal pact Gyökeres made after staying last season, but their hardline stance has sparked controversy, with reports of Gyökeres threatening to strike. Arsenal’s formal offer, expected imminently, will likely range between €60m-€70m, potentially including add-ons like Champions League qualification. The Gunners, who cooled interest in Sesko due to Al-Hilal’s competition, see Gyökeres’ 1.04 goals per game and 7.2 shots per 90 as ideal for their attack, complementing Kai Havertz. However, United’s potential to offload Joshua Zirkzee in a swap for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could shift their focus, giving Arsenal a clearer path.
What’s Next?
Arsenal aim to finalize Gyökeres’ transfer before the Club World Cup starts on June 14, 2025, with a medical possible by week’s end if Sporting accept their bid. The deal, potentially reaching £67.5m with bonuses, would be Arsenal’s second major signing after Martin Zubimendi (£51m). Gyökeres’ arrival would address Arsenal’s need for a prolific No. 9 after three second-place Premier League finishes, though interest in wingers Nico Williams and Leroy Sané persists. On X, fans are excited, with @afcstuff noting Arsenal’s lead, but some urge caution until the deal is official. United’s focus on Osimhen and Chelsea’s pivot to Hugo Ekitike could ensure Arsenal’s success in landing Gyökeres.
