Arsenal appear set to finalise a substantial £63.4 million transfer for Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, marking a pivotal point in one of the summer’s most talked-about transfer narratives. The Swedish forward is expected to pen a five-year contract, following two stellar campaigns in Portugal.
As per The Athletic, the arrangement consists of an initial £54.8 million payment, supplemented by an additional £8.4 million in performance-related add-ons. The deal’s completion is imminent, with only minor formalities remaining.
This transfer saga has been anything but straightforward, characterised by disagreements and delays. In a decisive move to bridge the gap, Gyokeres’ agent has reportedly foregone his commission, ensuring the deal’s progression.
Arsenal had aimed to secure the agreement prior to their departure for a pre-season tour of Asia. However, negotiations stalled over bonus structures and payment schedules, with Sporting insisting on a greater upfront sum. The Portuguese outlet A Bola suggests this prolonged deadlock proved an emotional ordeal for Gyokeres’ family.
Rumours in Portugal also suggested Manchester United’s renewed interest in Gyokeres, managed by his former Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim. However, Record reports that Amorim’s previous treatment of ex-United player and Gyokeres’ fellow Swede, Victor Lindelof, soured the striker’s view of such a reunion. Both players share representation by Hasan Cetinkaya, who expressed dissatisfaction with Lindelof’s handling at Old Trafford.
With several Premier League outfits courting Gyokeres in the summer of 2023, his decision to join Sporting was notable. Yet, despite Manchester United’s persistent efforts and superior bids to Arsenal, factors such as the club’s absence from the Champions League and Gyokeres’ doubts about the team’s potential deterred the move.
Ultimately, Gyokeres’ resolve to wear the Arsenal shirt prevailed. Gunnar supporters will first glimpse the new recruit during their Asian tour, where they face AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore before clashing with rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong. However, Gyokeres may debut on home soil on August 6, when Arsenal host Villarreal.
Following impressive form at Sporting, where he notched 97 goals in 102 appearances and secured two league titles and the Portuguese Cup, Gyokeres is eager to prove himself back in the Premier League, hoping to amend his past misstep at Brighton. His transfer marks a significant boost for Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of a competitive season framework, which includes an opening fixture against Manchester United.
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