Andrea Berta wants to make Viktor Gyökeres one of Arsenal’s top earners

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Arsenal have been given the green light to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres for a fee of around £60 million, with newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta working behind the scenes to offer the Sweden international a bumper contract that would make him one of the club’s highest earners.

With the Gunners making a new striker their top priority this summer, Gyökeres has emerged as a leading candidate on a three-man shortlist. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a sensational campaign in Portugal, with a staggering 95 goals in 100 appearances, making him one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

Sporting are open to doing business if their valuation—believed to be around €70 million (just over £60m)—is met, and Arsenal are pushing to get a deal done early amid competition from other European clubs.

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According to The Mirror’s John Cross, Berta, who recently took charge of Arsenal’s recruitment following his success at Atlético Madrid, is reportedly preparing a contract worth over £200,000-a-week, which would place Gyökeres among the club’s top earners. It is understood that Arsenal are ready to offer over £7 million a year net to secure the forward, who previously had spells in England with Brighton and Coventry City.

Arsenal are keen to avoid another sluggish transfer window after an underwhelming season, and there’s a clear intent from the hierarchy to back Mikel Arteta with early, high-impact signings.

While Gyökeres is currently the most realistic option, Arsenal also remain interested in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Arteta is known to be a long-time admirer of Isak, but Newcastle are reluctant to sell, especially with Champions League qualification in sight—an outcome that could help them secure the striker to a new long-term deal.

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Šeško was on Arsenal’s radar last summer and is still highly rated for his youth, athleticism, and resale potential. However, he opted to remain at Leipzig for another season, making Gyökeres the more accessible target this time around.

Arsenal’s ambitious summer plans don’t end with a striker. The club are also eyeing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, and Joan Garcia of Espanyol as they prepare for a major squad rebuild.

With the Premier League season drawing to a close, Arsenal are looking to make a statement in the transfer market—and Viktor Gyökeres could be their first big splash.

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