Viktor Gyokeres is ready to wait until the last moment of the transfer window if that’s what it takes to join Arsenal. The Sporting Lisbon striker has told those close to him that the Gunners are his dream, and Record report he is prepared to resist other offers in hope of making it happen.
Arsenal’s first bid—£55.6 million including add-ons—is still being debated as per the report. Sporting remain firm, valuing their prolific forward at £68 million. The gap leaves negotiations delicately poised, but neither side has closed the door.
The Gunners’ need is obvious. Last season, they dropped points in 18 league matches, with Kai Havertz finishing as top scorer on just nine goals. Gabriel Jesus’ injuries and a lack of a clinical edge proved costly in the title race against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Gyokeres, 27, offers pedigree. In two seasons at Sporting, he has delivered remarkable returns—43 goals and 15 assists in his debut year, followed by 54 goals and 13 assists as Sporting retained their title. But the Premier League will be a sterner test. Defenders will press him quicker; the space he thrives on will shrink.
Still, Mikel Arteta believes he can adapt. Arsenal, however, will not overpay. If Sporting refuse to compromise, the club may revive interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, valued at £40 million after Villa missed out on Champions League qualification.
For now, Gyokeres waits. And Arsenal weigh the price of turning his dream into their reality.