Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has made it clear that his top priority this summer is a move to Arsenal, despite receiving more lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Premier League, and Serie A, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The Swedish international, who enjoyed a sensational season in Portugal, has reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal on a contract running until 2030, which includes a base salary of £10 million per year plus performance-based incentives.
His desire to join the North London club was strongly influenced by direct conversations with Mikel Arteta, who laid out a compelling vision for Gyökeres’ role in Arsenal’s long-term plans.
Arteta’s assurance of a central role in the team’s attack, along with the opportunity to play Champions League football, played a key part in swaying the striker away from more financially rewarding alternatives.
Despite interest from Saudi clubs offering significantly higher wages and approaches from other top European sides, the 27-year-old remains focused on joining Arsenal, believing it to be the ideal next step in his career.
His agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, is currently in advanced discussions with Arsenal’s leadership to finalize the structure of the deal with Sporting, including how the transfer fee will be paid.
Gyökeres has reportedly communicated his intentions directly to Sporting president Frederico Varandas, making it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination.
His arrival would give Arsenal the clinical striker they’ve lacked in recent seasons and add a new dimension to their attacking setup.
After three consecutive seasons of falling just short in the Premier League title race, Gyökeres could be the missing piece to help push the Gunners over the line.
Having scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, the prolific forward is expected to thrive in Arsenal’s creative system.
With personal terms already agreed, the final hurdle remains reaching a deal with Sporting, who are holding out for a fee close to €80 million, though Arsenal are pushing for a slightly lower figure.
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