The wait for a true No. 9 at Arsenal may be over.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners have struck a verbal agreement with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who tore Europe apart last season.
In 52 matches, he plundered 54 goals and laid on 13 assists, driving Sporting to their 21st league crown and announcing himself as one of the continent’s most ruthless finishers.
Arsenal’s chase originally focused on Benjamin Sesko, but talks with RB Leipzig hit a wall. Gyokeres became the next target. Even negotiations with Sporting briefly stalled over add-ons, but the player’s determination to wear red and white proved decisive.
Romano says Sporting have accepted Arsenal’s offer—£55 million plus £8.5 million in bonuses, with the agent lowering his commission to get the deal done.
Gyokeres is set to sign a contract through 2030 and undergo a medical within 24 hours. Ben Jacobs confirms Sporting have granted permission for the checks to take place. For Arsenal, it’s not just a signing—it’s a statement.
Three straight seasons as Premier League runners-up have exposed the same flaw: no consistent, cold-blooded striker to finish the work of Arteta’s creative cast. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have shared the role but neither has delivered that relentless edge.
Gyokeres brings it. Pace. Power. Precision. A forward who thrives on pressure and doesn’t need three chances to bury one. Next season, he’ll look to trade goals with Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and the league’s elite.
For Arsenal, this could be the missing piece in a title puzzle they’ve been chasing too long