Arsenal land first blow in race for Viktor Gyokeres as details of first ‘concrete proposal’ are revealed

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Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres has been well known for some time now.

Thanks to his prolific goalscoring record in Portugal, the Sporting striker is admired by both Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta.

In recent days, there appears to have been internal disagreements at Sporting about the price it will take to pry the Sweden international away from the club.

Ultimately, it still appears that Gyokeres could be available for around £55m.

With that knowledge in mind, Arsenal have tabled an initial bid for the 27-year-old as they look to beat the likes of Manchester United to Gyokeres’ signature.

Arsenal table £46.8m bid for Viktor Gyokeres

As reported by Portuguese outlet Record, Andrea Berta met with Sporting’s Director of Football, Bernardo Palmeiro, in recent days to discuss the conditions around the Gyokeres deal.

In doing so, Record note that Berta ‘put on the table €55 million’ (£46.8m) to secure Gyokeres’ services.

That fee is described as a ‘fixed’ sum, with the potential of up to €10m (£8.5m) in performance-related add-ons.

All in all, this represents ‘the first concrete proposal’ for Gyokeres this summer.

In acting as they have, it is a sign of intent that Arsenal intend to beat their Premier League rivals to the striker’s signature.

If they feel as though they are going to be priced out, however, the Gunners can also put all their eggs in the Benjamin Sesko basket, especially as talks between Sesko and Arsenal are advancing.

Why Jamie Carragher’s hot take will be proven correct if Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres

Speaking before the climax of the 2024/25 campaign, Jamie Carragher gave a controversial opinion that whichever striker Arsenal sign won’t be the answer to all of Arteta’s problems next season.

As such, Carragher believes that the Arsenal manager will ultimately choose to drop the new signing to the bench midway through the next campaign, opting to start Kai Havertz up top once again.

While Arsenal fans might not like to hear it, Carragher might not be far wrong should the Gunners get the Gyokeres deal over the line.

There is no doubt that the former Brighton striker has been top class for Sporting Lisbon, boasting an unbelievable record of 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese side.

However, he is unproven in England’s top-flight, with his short spell at Brighton proving to be unsuccessful.

Admittedly, Gyokeres was still learning his trade while playing for the Seagulls. Yet there is also a question of whether he will suit Arteta’s style of play.

When Havertz has been deployed as Arsenal’s starting striker, he often occupies pockets of space in front of the opposition’s back four, linking play with the two wingers.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, has enjoyed his best success when playing on the shoulder of the last man, running in behind and bullying defenders to create chances and score goals.

If he does make the move to the Emirates, such form will hopefully be replicated. The jury will be out until that is proven, however.