Arsenal are closing in on one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres set to join the North London side in a deal worth over £63 million, including add-ons. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, only minor contractual details remain before the transfer is completed.
The Swedish forward, who scored a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last season, has made it clear he only had eyes for Arsenal, turning down other suitors. In a move that underlined the player’s determination, his agent reportedly waived his commission to push the deal through. A five-year contract until 2030 has already been drawn up.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed tensions during negotiations, revealing that Gyokeres missed the club’s pre-season reporting date and will face disciplinary action for it. He is expected to be fined and asked to apologise to teammates.
Gyokeres’ rise has been remarkable. After leaving Brighton for just £1 million in 2021, he made a name for himself at Coventry City before a £17 million switch to Sporting in 2023. There, he exploded into one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, scoring 97 goals and assisting 28 more in just two seasons.
The signing marks another assertive step under new sporting director Andrea Berta, as Arsenal aim to address the attacking gaps that cost them last season. Mikel Arteta’s side lacked a clinical No. 9, alternating between Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus—both of whom were hampered by injury spells. Arsenal finished 10 points behind champions Liverpool, scoring 17 goals fewer.
Gyokeres is not the only fresh face at the Emirates. Sources told ESPN that 21-year-old defender Cristhian Mosquera has also sealed a move from Valencia and is already en route to Singapore for Arsenal’s pre-season tour. The deal is reportedly worth around £17 million including performance-based clauses.
Mosquera will offer depth behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, bolstering a defence that proved solid last season but lacked rotation. With other new names like Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke already through the door, Arsenal’s summer rebuild is shaping up to be one of their boldest yet.
