Viktor Gyökeres’ potential transfer might unsettle an Arsenal player who previously set remarkable records in the club’s gym performance metrics.
Arsenal are reportedly deep in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over a potential deal for Viktor Gyökeres, as their interest in Benjamin Šeško appears to have cooled.
The Gunners have made signing a top-class striker their primary goal this summer. Both Gyökeres and Šeško have been high on their shortlist, with expectations that the two forwards will leave their current clubs before the 2025–26 season kicks off. Until recently, it was unclear which of the two Arsenal would prioritize in a big-money move.
According to a new report from Europe, Arsenal are now focusing their efforts on Gyökeres. Sky Sports has revealed that talks between Arsenal and Sporting are already at an advanced stage, paving the way for a potential switch from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League for the 27-year-old striker.
It’s believed that Arsenal and Gyökeres have agreed on personal terms for a five-year deal. With negotiations between the clubs progressing well, Arsenal now reportedly view the final stages of the deal as being within reach, shifting their attention away from Šeško—who signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig after heavy interest last summer.
Despite rumors that Mikel Arteta initially preferred Šeško, Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyökeres has remained consistent. The Swedish international is said to favor a move to North London over a more lucrative £11 million-a-year offer from Juventus. Meanwhile, Manchester United have turned their attention toward Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Tensions are reportedly high between Gyökeres and Sporting, as the forward is frustrated over the club’s failure to honor a verbal agreement to sell him for below his release clause.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas commented:
> “We are calm. We don’t need to sell Viktor, but we also respect his ambitions. We promised we’d be reasonable and not demand the full release clause.”
He emphasized that while the striker is likely to leave, it won’t be for €70 million, citing comparisons with other players like Zubimendi and Cunha who recently transferred for similar sums.
