Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has hit another snag. The Gunners thought they’d wrapped up the £64m deal days ago. Instead, they’re still haggling over bonus payments with Sporting CP.
The Swedish striker has already said yes to Arsenal (1.59). He’s agreed to a five-year contract. However, the clubs can’t settle on the add-ons that could push the fee beyond the initial £54.8m base price.
Mikel Arteta wanted his new centre-forward in place before Sunday’s flight to Asia. That’s when Arsenal’s pre-season tour kicks off. The 27-year-old won’t be on the plane.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Gyokeres brings a serious pedigree. Last season’s tally of 54 goals in 52 matches tells the story. Those aren’t Portuguese league minnow numbers either.
His shot conversion rate sits at 28.4%. That’s almost identical to Erling Haaland‘s record-breaking 2022-23 campaign when the Norwegian hit 29.2%. The Swede also created 2.15 chances per 90 minutes whilst contributing 1.42 goals or assists per game.
Arsenal finished 17 goals short of champions Liverpool (1.36) last term. They ended up 10 points adrift, too. Those gaps explain why Arteta has chased a proven goalscorer all summer.
From Coventry to Lisbon Success
The striker’s English soccer background caught Arsenal’s eye. At Coventry (1.74), he banged in 43 goals across 116 appearances. The Sky Blues reached the Championship play-off final in 2022-23. Gyokeres made the team of the year.
Sporting paid around £20m for him that summer. Best money they’ve ever spent. Over two seasons in Portugal, he’s netted 97 goals in 102 matches. That record helped Sporting win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.
His international record backs up the club form. Fifteen goals in 26 caps for Sweden since his 2019 debut against Finland.
Arsenal’s Striker Hunt Continues
This deal represents a major shift for Arsenal. They’ve spent just £75m on natural forwards since Arteta took charge. Gabriel Jesus cost £45m from Manchester City (3.77). Leandro Trossard was the only other significant outlay in that area.
Kai Havertz arrived for £65m but started as an attacking midfielder. He’s never been a natural centre-forward despite filling that role.
Arsenal turned to Gyokeres after hitting a wall with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (1.09). The Gunners have also added England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea (1.59) for £52m this summer.
Physical Machine Ready for Premier League
Former Coventry coach Adi Viveash knows Gyokeres well. “He really was incredible,” Viveash says. The striker combines physical strength with technical ability and tactical awareness.
His work rate impresses coaches. So does his intelligent movement in the box. But Gyokeres offers more than just goals. He loves running with the ball and creating chances for teammates.
Arsenal fans have waited years for the club to sign a proven striker. Jesus remains out injured for the rest of the year. Gyokeres could be the natural number nine they’ve craved.
The add-on negotiations might drag on a few more days. But Arsenal have found their man. Now they just need to get the paperwork sorted.
