Viktor Gyokeres confirms key contract change to seal Arsenal switch

Feargal Brennan

Viktor Gyokeres confirms key contract change to seal Arsenal switch image

Arsenal are reportedly closing in a crucial summer transfer swoop for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners landed second in the final Premier League rankings in 2024/25, in a third successive runners-up spot for Mikel Arteta, and the Spanish coach is desperate to launch a more potent title charge this time.

Martin Zubimendi has already arrived as part of Arteta's midfield reshuffle, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho moving on, but bringing in a consistent goal scorer remains a No.1 priority at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta had been pursuing two targets, with interest in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko alongside Gyokeres, since the start of the summer.

The call appears to have been made to end the link with Sesko, based on RB Leipzig's transfer valuation in excess of £65m, with Gyokeres now the sole focus for Arteta.

Multiple reports have indicated Arsenal are close to an agreement with the player himself also making a key concession to secure a move to North London.

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Viktor Gyokeres' contract change seals Arsenal transfer

Gyokeres' numbers in front of goal speak for themselves with the 27-year-old scoring an outrageous 54 goals across 52 matches in all competitions in 2024/25 as Sporting CP won a domestic double.

Across two seasons in Lisbon, Gyokeres has battered home a wild 97 goals in 102 games, and that ruthlessness in front of goal is what Arsenal are clearly lacking.

Sporting CP are ready to accept Arsenal's offer of £52m, plus £8m in add-ons, but Gyokeres' contract has remained as a stumbling block to the deal.

His current contract runs until 2028, and Gyokeres has made a key concession on his incoming contract at Arsenal, to fund the transfer fee.

As per Portuguese outlet Record, the striker has given up £1.75m split across the five-year contract on offer, to allow Arsenal to meet Sporting CP's asking price.

There is the potential for Sporting CP demanding slightly more at the last minute, with a final up front fee of £56m, but Arsenal are confident Gyokeres' decision will give them a final push to get the deal over the line.

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Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.