Arsenal FC has won the race to sign a striker who was rumored to be wanted by half of Europe: Viktor Gyökeres (27) wants to prove himself in the Premier League after a falling out with Sporting.
When a player scores 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions in Europe, it’s only too likely that the big clubs will come knocking. This was also the case with Viktor Gyökeres. The former FC St. Pauli striker with the mysterious goal celebration was in high demand this summer, especially in the Premier League.
Arsenal, a club that had already put out feelers last summer and is said to have long preferred Gyökeres, has now won the race to sign him. The 26-time Swedish international (15 goals) will receive a long-term contract in London that, according to The Athletic, runs until June 30, 2030. As Arsenal announced on Saturday evening, the transfer is still subject to the completion of the official procedures surrounding a work permit. Gyökeres, who underwent his medical on Saturday, is set to join the English runners-up on their current tour of Asia.
29 league goals followed by 39
“Viktor has so many qualities,” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said in the club statement. “He is a fast and powerful striker with incredible goal-scoring records at club and international level.” He brings incredible precision and a high conversion rate, and his intelligent movement in the box makes him a constant threat.
In the summer of 2023, Gyökeres joined the traditional Portuguese club after spells at Brighton, Swansea, and Coventry—and quickly won the hearts of the fans. He scored 29 league goals in 33 appearances in his first season and 39 in his second year in the same number of games. He added five goals in nine Europa League games in 2023/24 and six in eight Champions League games in 2024/25.
It was well known that Gyökeres, who helped Sporting win the league title and the thrilling cup final against arch-rivals Benfica, was aiming for bigger things. However, when Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly discussed transfer fees at the end of June, it is said that internal discord finally came to a head.
The Portuguese newspaper Record reported that Gyökeres had told Varandas that he would never play for Sporting again. However, the president did not want to sell his star player below his value and had publicly stated that €70 million including bonuses was too little. According to media reports, Sporting will now receive a base transfer fee of €63.5 million plus €10 million in bonuses.
“Relief” for Merino?
Gyökeres is expected to quickly become a weapon in his new jersey with the legendary number 14 worn by Thierry Henry at Arsenal. Especially after the serious injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus at the beginning of the calendar year, the Gunners were desperate for a center forward. Gyökeres is just that – in the classic sense.
Former Dortmund player Mikel Merino, who was frequently moved into the center of the attack as a result of the injuries, will now be able to concentrate on his position in midfield again.
