Arsenal have been given the green light to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres this summer—provided they meet the Portuguese club’s £60 million valuation.
The Swedish international tops the Gunners’ three-man shortlist as the club ramps up efforts to secure a marquee striker ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. New sporting director Andrea Berta is spearheading the push, with Gyökeres viewed as the ideal centrepiece for Mikel Arteta’s attacking rebuild.
The 26-year-old, who turns 27 next month, has emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His remarkable record of 95 goals in 100 appearances across all competitions has turned heads at Arsenal, who are keen to move quickly in the market following two lacklustre windows.
Gyökeres, formerly of Brighton and Coventry City, has flourished in Portugal and would likely demand wages north of £200,000 per week—making him one of the highest earners at the Emirates. Sources suggest his total annual net salary could exceed £7 million.
While Sporting are open to selling, they are standing firm on his release clause of €70 million (£60.1 million). The club is already preparing for a summer rebuild and hopes to reinvest funds quickly, but Arsenal may need to act fast to avoid a potential bidding war. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation closely.
Gyökeres isn’t Arsenal’s only target. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško remain under serious consideration. Arteta is a known admirer of Isak, who has dazzled in the Premier League and played a key role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph.
However, the Magpies are expected to resist any approach. If they qualify for the Champions League, their chances of tying Isak to a new deal improve significantly.
Šeško, 21, was a top target last summer before opting to remain in Germany for another season. The Slovenian forward offers youth, athleticism, and resale value—qualities that appeal to Arsenal’s long-term project.
Arsenal are prepared to spend big to reinvigorate the squad after a season that failed to meet expectations. Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi is expected to join, with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García also on the club’s radar.
Berta’s appointment has already injected fresh urgency into Arsenal’s recruitment drive. His strong links in Europe—particularly with Sporting—could give the Gunners the edge in securing Gyökeres, who increasingly looks like their headline signing of the summer.
By Kelly Were
