Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, with a small gap in the valuation the only detail that needs to be sorted before the deal is finalised, Arsenal Insider understands.
Gyokeres enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 campaign for Sporting, netting 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions.
This outstanding form has unsurprisingly sparked interest in the Swede from a host of top clubs throughout Europe, including the Gunners, Manchester United and Juventus.
Arsenal have emerged as the leading candidates to sign Gyokeres, with the player informing Sporting that he only has eyes for North London.
Arsenal deal for Viktor Gyokeres ‘not far away’
Reports emerged in recent days suggesting that talks between Arsenal and Sporting had stalled due to disagreements over the valuation between the two clubs.
Sporting are said to be holding out for around £69 million, while the Gunners are only willing to reach £65 million.
However, Gyokeres has gone on strike from Sporting training, and this could prompt the Portuguese giants to compromise on the fee.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that he expects this to happen, with the deal ‘not far away’ from being completed.
“Andrea Berta is working hard on getting Gyokeres over-the-line – they want him, the player wants them, and in truth, Sporting are willing sellers, but only at the right price,” he said.
“Arsenal have agreed to actually pay more, it is only the payment plan, so it is not like there is a major gap in valuation.
“Gyokeres has reiterated his stance to Sporting, that he only wants Arsenal at this point. It is not far away.”
Arsenal are also set to sign Noni Madueke, with these aggressive recent movements in the transfer market a clear indication that Andrea Berta wants to wrap up business as early as possible.
Viktor Gyokeres’ statistics
There are understandable concerns about how Gyokeres might adapt to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old has put up outstanding numbers in the Portuguese top flight, but the large majority of his goals have come against lesser sides, who have comparable wage bills to teams in League One.
That said, even with a significant decrease in his statistics, impressive output can still be expected from Gyokeres in England, such was the extremity of his numbers in Portugal.
| Viktor Gyokeres’ Primeira Liga Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 39 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Shots per 90 | 4.08 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.99 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.96 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.22 |
Accumulating 0.99 expected goals and over four shots per 90 minutes, the Sweden international is excellent at finding himself in dangerous positions and getting his shot off.
An exceptional ball striker, an effective dribbler and a live wire inside the box, Gyokeres does boast attributes that will translate well to the Premier League.
Gyokeres has been described as ‘fantastic’, and it’s not hard to see why when observing his data.
Given the paucity of quality options on the market, the former Coventry City man looks to be one of the most enticing.
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