Arsenal set to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, fee, contract details

Arsenal have reportedly reached a long-awaited agreement with Sporting for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the drawn-out contract saga nearing its conclusion.

According to reports, Arsenal have agreed to a five-year deal worth €63.5 million (AU$114 million) with €10 million (AU$18 million) in add-ons.

The 27-year-old scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards during the summer transfer window.

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Gyokeres is expected to strengthen Arsenal’s front line, with the Premier League runners-up struggling to replace Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their departure in 2022 as Gabriel Jesus continues to battle injury.

The signing of Gyokeres has been one of the transfer window’s most protracted sagas, involving the striker fighting with his club for a release, as well as rumours of a last-minute hi-jack attempt by Manchester United.

Arsenal have reportedly reached a long-awaited agreement with Sporting for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. Source: Getty Images

Gyokeres failed to turn up to Sporting training earlier in July in as he looked to force through a move to London, although a deal with Arsenal appeared to fall through days later with negotiations failing.

United were then said to be willing to table a similar offer to Arsenal and snatch Gyokeres, but reports out of Portugal said club manager Ruben Amorim’s past dealings with the striker at Sporting, and his recent treatment of his Swedish compatriot Victor Lindelof, made Arsenal his preferred destination.

Sky Sports reports that talks have reached a “extremely advanced” stage and that a conclusion is now “imminent”.

It has been a productive transfer period so far worth about A$370 in spending at the time of writing.

Mikel Arteta’s side signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51m (A$105.2m) deal as well as fellow midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford for £15m (A$30.94m).

Spanish shot stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga signed for £5m (A$10.31m) from Chelsea, while the Gunners are set to poach another player from their London rivals, agreeing to a £52m (A$107.26m) deal for winger Noni Madueke.

In other Premier League transfer news, West Ham are ‘likely’ to sign former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, according to The Times and The Sun.

Wilson reportedly turned down a pay-as-you-play deal at St James’ Park with West Ham set to swoop on the available veteran.

Meanwhile, Spanish forward Mateo Joseph has asked to leave Leeds United, manager Daniel Farke revealed.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid have signed Almeria full-back Marc Pubill after missing out on Jesus Areso.

Osasuna right-back Areso joined Athletic Bilbao earlier on despite reports Atletico had agreed a deal for the Spaniard.

“Our club and Almeria have reached a deal, as long as (Pubill) passes his medical and signs his new contract,” said Atletico in a statement.

Atletico did not state how much they will pay to sign the 22-year-old defender who was linked with a AU$27 million switch to Premier League side Wolves.

Areso came back to Athletic Bilbao after departing their reserve side in 2021 for Osasuna, with the 26-year-old’s return costing the Basque side up to $21 million, according to Spanish reports.

“Athletic and Osasuna have reached a deal for the transfer of the full-back Jesus Areso, who signs for the red-and-whites until June 30, 2031,” said Athletic in a statement.

Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic finished fourth last season in La Liga and managed to tie down winger Nico Williams earlier this summer despite interest from Barcelona.

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