Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with their pursuit of the Swedish forward bolstered by Bayern Munich’s decision to end their interest in the player.
While the Gunners could yet finish the 2024/25 season as European champions for the first time, there’s no doubt that reinforcements will be essential in north London this summer.
Their domestic campaign has been disappointing, with the club failing to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attack adequately in the last two transfer windows.
After signing Raheem Sterling on loan at the end of the summer window, no further moves were made in January – a decision that understandably frustrated supporters.
Arsenal’s struggles in the Premier League this spring allowed Liverpool to cruise to the title, and the mood in London will remain downbeat if they fall short in their pursuit of Champions League glory.
Fans are expecting a significant summer overhaul, and many are hoping that new sporting director Andrea Berta will bring in a high-profile centre-forward.
Arsenal have been linked with the likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Šeško, and Hugo Ekitiké, but Gyokeres is reportedly Berta’s top priority.
Florian Plettenberg recently took to social media to confirm that Berta is “pushing” to sign Gyökeres this summer.
Plettenberg also reported that Bayern Munich has pulled out of the race due to the financial demands involved.
The Swedish striker is expected to leave Sporting for a fee between €60m-€70m (£51m-£59.5m) after a verbal agreement was reportedly reached between the player and the club.
While Bayern Munich are no longer in the picture, Gyokeres’ impressive scoring record in Portugal has drawn interest from several top clubs.
Plettenberg notes that Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation.
Arsenal’s domestic underperformance this season has been due to several factors, including injuries, but there is a growing sense that the Gunners need more quality in the final third.
Gyokeres may not be the finished article, but his ability to find the back of the net is undeniable.
The Swedish international has netted 95 times in 99 appearances for Sporting, including six in eight Champions League matches.
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