Sporting CP set one condition for Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyökeres this summer

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Arsenal are lining up a lucrative contract offer for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres as they intensify efforts to bolster their attack ahead of next season. However, the club is yet to submit an official bid for the Sweden international.

Following another trophyless campaign, the Gunners are ready to invest significantly this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta pushing hard to bring in a top-class striker. A new centre-forward is seen as essential in Mikel Arteta’s plans to mount a serious title challenge next season.

While Arteta remains a long-time admirer of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Magpies are reluctant to sell, and there are concerns over RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, who came close to a move to north London last summer.

Gyökeres, who will turn 27 next month, has emerged as a key target after an outstanding season in Portugal, netting 95 goals in 100 appearances for Sporting. The striker is reportedly open to returning to England, having previously played for Coventry City and Brighton.

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According to The Mirror, Sporting have set a £60 million price tag on Gyökeres. Arsenal are preparing a contract worth around £200,000 per week but are expected to delay any formal offer until Sporting’s domestic campaign concludes. The Portuguese club are reportedly open to a swift deal and have already lined up potential replacements to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga.

Despite the optimism surrounding a potential deal, club legend Ian Wright has urged caution. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright warned Arsenal against overspending on a striker who might not meet expectations, citing the struggles of Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund and Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez.

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“You look at Rasmus Højlund—he had nine goals for Atalanta and they paid £72 million for him. You’re taking a chance on potential,” Wright said. “Then there’s Darwin Núñez—£85 million. I’m not sure Arsenal can afford to get it wrong like that.”

Wright emphasised the need for a proven goal-scorer who can deliver immediately, suggesting that Arsenal’s patience in the market could be strategic.

“Maybe that’s why Arsenal haven’t pulled the trigger yet,” he added. “We can’t afford to waste £80–90 million. That’s why players like Alexander Isak were on the radar—someone proven who can deliver in the Premier League.”

The former striker acknowledged Gyökeres as a viable option, given his past experience in English football, albeit outside the top flight. Whether the Swede is the man to finally lead Arsenal to silverware remains to be seen.

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