The Gunners have made the Swedish international their top attacking target this summer, but Sporting CP are standing firm on their €70 million up-front valuation, with an additional €10 million in achievable add-ons still under discussion.

While the deal is not yet complete, all sides are showing a clear willingness to reach an agreement, and the transfer saga could conclude within days.

Arsenal’s Relentless Pursuit

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s hierarchy have been determined to secure a new No. 9 after missing out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, whose price and personal terms proved too difficult to resolve. That pivot led them back to Gyokeres, who is coming off a sensational campaign in Portugal.

The 27-year-old scored a remarkable 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, spearheading Sporting’s league and cup double and cementing his status as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.

Arsenal have already reached personal terms on a five-year contract with Gyokeres, who has made it clear to Sporting that he wants the move and is prepared to sacrifice a portion of his salary to make it happen.

Sporting director Andrea Berta has flown to Lisbon for face-to-face talks, with Arteta pushing for the deal to be wrapped up before Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia later this month. The Gunners’ latest bid is understood to be €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons, but Sporting are holding out for their preferred payment structure and a higher guaranteed sum.

Sporting’s Stance and Gyokeres’ Determination

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has taken a hard line throughout negotiations, publicly insisting there would be no “blackmail or insults” and denying the existence of a previously rumored gentleman’s agreement for Gyokeres to leave at a fixed price.

The Portuguese club’s resolve is partly rooted in Gyokeres’ extraordinary goal record—97 goals in 102 games since joining from Coventry City in 2023—and their desire to maximize the return on a player who has become indispensable.

Despite Sporting’s tough stance, the momentum is firmly with Arsenal. Gyokeres has been granted permission to delay his return to Sporting’s pre-season training as talks progress, and there is growing confidence that the transfer will be finalized soon.

The striker’s camp believes a deal is close, and sources suggest he is unlikely to play for Sporting again as he pushes for his dream move to the Premier League.