HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally reached verbal agreement on new deal to sign the most dangerous striker in Europe,player to arrive tomorrow for paperwork
Although the Gunners’ delegation to Lisbon to finalise an agreement with Sporting Club for Viktor Gyokeres was unsuccessful, an agreement is still thought to be close. Mikel Arteta’s side has made the Swedish striker their primary target this summer as they look to strengthen their squad. The club has maintained ongoing discussions with both the player and Sporting Club, signalling their clear intent to secure his services before the transfer window closes.
Following what appeared to be the abandonment of their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal took decisive steps by sending a delegation to Portugal with the hope of concluding a deal for Gyokeres. The face-to-face meeting was widely anticipated to bring an end to the lengthy transfer saga, yet despite efforts on both sides, no agreement was reached. The Arsenal representatives returned to London without bridging the valuation gap, casting doubt over the transfer’s completion.
Negotiations Encounter Hurdles but Progress Continues
The inability to close the deal during the Lisbon talks has understandably put the move at risk of collapse. However, reports emerging from Portugal via Sport Witness indicate that Arsenal has nevertheless made some progress and that an agreement remains within reach. The report further suggests optimism that the clubs could reach a final accord as soon as tomorrow. This development means that the transfer may not be as far from completion as initially feared
Gyokeres Could Be a Key Player in Pre-season Preparations
Viktor Gyokeres is regarded as one of the most promising forwards currently available on the market. His playing style suits Arsenal’s tactical approach, and it is hoped that he will be able to participate in pre-season matches soon after his arrival. Early involvement in pre-season will help him integrate with the squad, adapt to Arteta’s system and build match fitness ahead of the competitive season.
The signing would offer Arsenal fans reassurance that the club is serious about improving the squad and competing on all fronts. While negotiations have faced some setbacks, the continued progress in talks suggests that Gyokeres could soon become a Gunner, ready to contribute immediately.Arsenal’s pursuit of **Viktor Gyökeres** remains active despite the recent **unsuccessful delegation to Lisbon**, and the latest updates indicate that **a deal is still close**—just not finalized *yet*.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it means for Arsenal:
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## 🔴 **Where Things Stand: Gyökeres to Arsenal**
### 🇵🇹 **Lisbon Meeting: No Deal Yet**
* Arsenal’s **face-to-face talks with Sporting** failed to produce a final agreement.
* The sticking point remains **Sporting’s valuation**, believed to be close to the **€100m release clause**.
* Arsenal’s delegation returned to London **without securing terms**, raising short-term concerns.
### ✅ **Progress Behind the Scenes**
* Despite no formal agreement, **talks have progressed**.
* Portuguese outlet **Sport Witness** reports both sides are optimistic about finalizing the move **very soon**, possibly **within 24–48 hours**.
* Ongoing communication continues between Arsenal, Gyökeres’ camp, and Sporting’s hierarchy.
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## 🔍 **Why Gyökeres Is Arteta’s Priority**
### ⚽ **Player Profile**
* Age: 26
* Nationality: Sweden 🇸🇪
* Position: Centre Forward
* 2023/24 Stats (Sporting):
* **43 goals + 15 assists** across competitions
* One of Europe’s **most prolific** all-round strikers
### 🧠 **Tactical Fit**
* Strong link-up play, pressing intelligence, and elite movement.
* Fits **Arteta’s fluid 4-3-3 system**, allowing him to:
* Rotate with or replace **Gabriel Jesus**
* Lead the line ahead of **Saka**, **Martinelli**, **Odegaard**, or **Rice**
* Considered the kind of striker Arsenal **lacked in high-stakes matches** last season.
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## 🛑 **Key Hurdles**
| Issue | Status |
| ——————————– | ————————— |
| **Release clause (€100m)** | Not yet activated |
| **Installments vs upfront** | Still negotiating structure |
| **Wages & player terms** | Largely agreed |
| **Competition from other clubs** | Minimal at this stage |
Despite the delay, **Arsenal remains the clear front-runner**.
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## 🧪 **Why Pre-season Matters**
Arteta wants Gyökeres:
* **Integrated early** into the squad
* Adapted to the **Premier League pace**
* Ready for **Champions League and title push**
Securing him **before Arsenal’s next pre-season tour date** is a **priority**, especially as other clubs finalize key striker deals (e.g. Manchester United with Ivan Toney, Joshua Zirkzee).
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## 🔁 **What If It Fails?**
If talks **collapse**, Arsenal may pivot back to:
* **Dusan Vlahović** (Juventus)
* **Brian Brobbey** (Ajax – also on Manchester United’s radar)
* **Alexander Isak** (highly unlikely due to Newcastle’s reluctance)
But make no mistake: **Gyökeres is Arteta’s clear No. 1 target**.
—
## ✅ **Verdict**
Although the trip to Lisbon didn’t seal the deal, **negotiations are far from over**. Arsenal is still in **pole position**, and the **next 48 hours will be critical**. If Sporting soften their stance slightly or Arsenal sweeten their payment structure, **Viktor Gyökeres will be an Arsenal player very soon.**
A signing of this magnitude would be a **massive statement of intent** heading into the 2025/26 season.
