Arsenal has taken a significant step in the transfer market by placing a formal offer of €75 million for Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker currently playing for Sporting CP. This move marks the beginning of what could become a heated transfer battle, as Chelsea is also reportedly interested in the forward, potentially pushing Sporting to negotiate for a higher fee.
The bid was highlighted in a recent article from Correio da Manhã, noting that Arsenal has already reached an agreement with Gyökeres regarding salary and performance bonuses. The 26-year-old striker has had an exceptional season, netting an impressive 52 goals in 49 matches, including 38 in the league, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific scorers.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, considers the current offer merely a starting point and is anticipating a bidding war, as he aims to embrace Gyökeres’s Golden Boot season to drive the price higher. His release clause stands at €100 million, which would set a record for the club should Chelsea or any other suitor decide to trigger it.
Arsenal’s urgency in securing a deal reflects their long-standing need for a traditional number nine in Mikel Arteta’s setup, and they are keen on finalizing the agreement to prevent Chelsea from stepping in with a more lucrative proposal. The groundwork is reportedly already in place, and Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is motivated to close the deal quickly.
Overall, this transfer window promises to be particularly dynamic, with both clubs vying for a player who would undoubtedly enhance their attacking capabilities.