Arsenal finally close to Viktor Gyökeres deal after add-ons delay

Arsenal are nearing the completion of a deal to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres with final negotiations over performance-related add-ons causing a slight delay.

The Gunners had hoped to wrap up the transfer in time for the start of their pre-season tour of Asia on Sunday. Talks have progressed steadily, and a fee of €73.5m (£63.5m) was reportedly agreed in principle last week. However, the structure of additional payments has prolonged discussions between the two clubs.

Gyokeres, 27, has already agreed personal terms and is set to sign a five-year contract with the North London club.

The Swedish international has been one of the most sought-after forwards this summer following a phenomenal season at Sporting, where he netted 54 goals in 52 appearances and played a pivotal role in securing consecutive Primeira Liga titles.

Arsenal turned their attention to Gyokeres after being unable to reach a breakthrough in negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko. Manager Mikel Arteta has made the acquisition of a top-level striker a key priority following a campaign in which Arsenal scored 17 goals fewer than title-winners Liverpool and finished 10 points adrift in the Premier League.

Last week, Arsenal strengthened their attack with the arrival of England winger Noni Madueke, 23, from Chelsea.

Gyokeres, who previously had spells with Brighton and Coventry City, has scored 97 goals in 102 games since moving to Portugal in 2023 for around £20m. During his time in the Championship, he was a standout performer for Coventry, scoring 43 goals in 116 appearances and earning a place in the 2022–23 Team of the Season as the Sky Blues reached the play-off final.

On the international stage, Gyokeres debuted for Sweden in 2019 and has gone on to score 15 goals in 26 appearances.