Arsenal close in on £60m deal that could transform their fortunes next season

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Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of prolific Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, as the club looks to secure a long-awaited marquee addition to lead the line.

The Gunners are aiming to move swiftly in the summer transfer window, with the need for a top-class centre-forward growing increasingly urgent following a season plagued by injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled at times without a natural No. 9, prompting the club’s hierarchy to prioritise a striker signing.

Gyokeres, who has taken the Portuguese league by storm this season with an astonishing 62 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, is believed to be the top target of newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta. The Swedish international joined Sporting from Coventry City and has quickly become one of Europe’s most talked-about forwards.

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According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal’s negotiations with Sporting are now at an advanced stage. The north London club have reportedly offered Gyokeres a five-year contract worth approximately £175,000 per week — close to £9 million per season.

While Arsenal appear to be leading the race, they are not without competition. Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring Gyokeres closely, and Liverpool have registered interest as well. United are said to be preparing a rival offer, while Chelsea continue to assess their attacking options.

Sporting Lisbon are believed to have set a £60 million release clause for the 26-year-old, which Arsenal are prepared to meet in a bid to beat out the competition.

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Speaking after the closure of the last transfer window, Gyokeres acknowledged interest in his services but expressed satisfaction with staying at Sporting. “They wanted most of the starting players to stay and held on to us tightly,” he said. “That’s how it turned out, but I really enjoy Sporting so it was no problem for me to stay.”

He also addressed the speculation around his price tag: “Of course, it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens in the coming windows. That’s what Sporting believes I’m worth, and you have to respect that.”

Gyokeres recently helped Sporting secure another Portuguese league title, netting the decisive goal in their 2-0 win over Vitoria SC on Saturday— a fitting cap to a sensational season.

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