Arsenal Set to Seal Striker Deal as Club Enters Final Negotiations to Close Major Transfer
Arsenal's pursuit of a new striker appears to be reaching its final stages as the club has reportedly taken decisive action in securing one of Europe's most coveted forwards.
The North London side is on the verge of finalizing an agreement for Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres, as reported by The Athletic. Conclusive negotiations have taken place following an extended period of discussions that included disagreements regarding the transfer fee. Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas and the striker had been in conflict since Gyökeres felt there was a prior understanding to allow his departure this summer for €60 million ($70.1 million) with an additional €10 million ($11.6 million) in performance-related bonuses. David Orstein indicates that Arsenal's most recent offer has surpassed this figure as they work to finalize the transaction.
Gyökeres expressed his desire to join Arsenal rather than competing club Manchester United and his former coach Ruben Amorim back in June.
The 27-year-old Gyökeres has been monitored by Arsenal since March following interest from newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta. The Gunners have secured second place in the Premier League for three straight seasons while lacking a dedicated striker, having tested various options including Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino among others. Acquiring Gyökeres is viewed by many as the crucial component needed to secure a major championship.
Gyökeres netted 39 goals in Liga Portugal during the previous campaign over 33 matches. He led Europe in goal scoring but didn't claim the Golden Boot due to Portuguese league goals receiving lower weighting compared to other nations like Spain. In the preceding season, he managed 29 league goals.
The choice was widely considered to be between Gyökeres and 22-year-old Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. However, reports regarding the expected transfer fee likely influenced Arsenal's preference for Gyökeres.
Should this transfer materialize, Gyökeres would join Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and allegedly Noni Madueke as completed signings this summer. This represents a substantial rebuild for the Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta as they aim to achieve success and validate their project with a meaningful trophy.