Arsenal transfer record spells bad news for £66m Andrea Berta striker target

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a brief history of signing players from the Portuguese top flight, with Andrea Berta eager to add to the list.

Berta was unveiled as Arsenal’s sporting director after months of speculation linking the former Atletico Madrid man to the Emirates. 

Soon after Berta was announced, a major transfer update was shared by journalist David Ornstein.

Ornstein revealed that Arsenal have strong interest in Viktor Gyokeres, a striker admired by the new sporting director and protected by a release clause worth £66m.

Gyokeres has been targeted by Arsenal for some time, with more eyes on the Sporting CP star now that Berta has arrived. 

• READ MORE: Every single striker Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has signed at Atletico Madrid

Arsenal’s transfer history in Portugal 

Despite being a forward with 42 domestic goals to his name in 2024/25, some have reservations about Gyokeres, and unfortunately, history supports such doubts to a degree. 

Arsenal have signed only five players from Portugal’s top-flight in their history, with the exchange in talent rarely working out for the Gunners.

In 1994, Arsenal signed Stefan Schwarz from Benfica, who stayed at Highbury for just one year before departing.

Also with a brief time in North London was Luis Boa Morte, who lasted two years at Arsenal, where he won the Premier League.

Rui Fonte arrived from Sporting’s academy to join the Gunners’ academy, he made just one appearance for the first team during his three-year stay.

The most recent acquisitions from Liga Portugal have also flattered to deceive, with Nuno Tavares set to leave Arsenal after making only 28 appearances and Fabio Vieira currently on loan. 

Though the latter has impressed in spells under Mikel Arteta, it’s expected that Vieira will leave Arsenal, as he has yet to completely convince the manager of his suitability to the Premier League. 

Viktor Gyokeres has played in England 

Amid links to Gyokeres, the verdict doesn’t look encouraging when it comes to Arsenal’s luck when hiring talent from Portugal’s top flight. 

There is a difference with the Sweden international, however, as the striker has played in England before.

Gyokeres left Coventry City in the Championship in 2023, where he scored 43 goals in a total of 116 appearances.

The 26-year-old has also represented Brighton and Swansea City in his career, but in terms of the Premier League, he’s yet to make an appearance.

Arsenal will be charmed by Gyokeres for obvious reasons, but when reflecting on the club’s transfer history with Portugal, alarm bells are surely sounding.