Arsenal have ended their lengthy search for a leading striker after confirming the arrival of Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres for a £64million fee.
The Gunners had been locked in arduous negotiations for the former Coventry City frontman over the course of the summer, with Mikel Arteta desparate to land the out-and-out goal-scoring No 9 to propel them to a Premier League title.
The issue of Arsenal’s lack of a striker had been a recurring theme for the last two seasons at the Emirates, with many believing it a key contributing factor to their failure to win the top prizes in that time.
Now, though, after being linked with Gyokeres for much of the summer transfer window, the signing has been confirmed.
After leaving Coventry for Sporting back in 2023, Gyokeres has quickly become one of the most sought-after No 9s in Europe.
With an incredible 97 goals in 102 games the 27-year-old arrives with a proven killer instinct in front of goal.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Clube for £64million
Mikel Arteta’s side have already spent big in the transfer market and quickly snapped up the striker they badly needed
Gyokeres had been threatened with disciplinary action by Sporting president Frederico Varandas after failing to return to pre-season training but had appealed to the club to allow him to achieve his dream move to Arsenal.
Varandas had rejected Arsenal’s last offer of £60m all in for Gyokeres and warned them they would not get the Sweden international unless they upped their offer and promised a greater sum up front as part of the bid’s structure.
Arsenal’s need for a striker is clear to see, particularly in the second half of the season when they were forced to make do without either Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz, who were both injured, with Mikel Merino operating as a makeshift forward.
Gyokeres now becomes just the third striker signed in five-and-a-half years including those two, with Havertz largely a utility attacking midfielder.
With the Gunners already spending heavily this summer, it looks to be a transformative transfer window for the north London side.
They have already brought in Martin Zubimendi for £65m, Christian Norgaard for £15m and Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5m.
The Gunners have also signed Cristhian Mosquera for £13m from Valencia, and Chelsea forward Noni Madueke for £52m, taking their outlay to nearly £210m in what is becoming a statement window from the Premier League title contenders.
