Viktor Gyokeres Seals £64m Arsenal Move After Sporting Strike, Boards Private Jet to London

Viktor Gyokeres Seals £64m Arsenal Move After Forcing Sporting Exit
By Lewis Browning | Updated: 17:24 BST, 25 July 2025

Arsenal have finally secured their top striker target, Viktor Gyokeres, after agreeing to a £64million deal with Sporting Lisbon. The Swedish forward boarded a private jet to London on Friday to finalize his medical and sign a five-year contract, ending a prolonged transfer saga.

[Image 1: Gyokeres boarding a private jet with caption: Viktor Gyokeres en route to London after Arsenal agreed a £64m deal.]

Disciplinary Drama in Lisbon
Gyokeres, 27, sparked controversy at Sporting by skipping pre-season training to force the move. Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed the striker faced a “hefty fine” for his absence but ultimately relented as the Gunners met the club’s valuation. The deal includes an initial €63.5m (£54.8m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.

The striker’s agency, HC Media, shared footage of him departing for England, with Arsenal granting him the iconic No. 14 shirt—last worn by club legend Thierry Henry.

[Image 2: Gyokeres in Sporting Lisbon kit with caption: Gyokeres scored 54 goals last season, driving Sporting to a league and cup double.]

Arteta’s Striker Solution
Mikel Arteta prioritized signing a center-forward after Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge collapsed due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners finished second to Liverpool for the third consecutive year, prompting a decisive move for Gyokeres.

The Swedish international enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season, netting 54 goals in 52 games. His rise began at Coventry City, where he joined from Brighton for £1m in 2021, before a £17m move to Sporting in 2023. Over two seasons, he amassed 97 goals and 28 assists, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers.

Rejecting Manchester United
Manchester United, now managed by Gyokeres’ former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, attempted a late bid. However, the striker reportedly rejected reuniting with Amorim due to the manager’s treatment of defender Victor Lindelöf. Both players share agent Hasan Cetinkaya, and Lindelöf’s unresolved contract situation at Old Trafford influenced Gyokeres’ decision.

[Image 3: Arteta on the touchline with caption: Mikel Arteta finally lands his marquee striker ahead of the new season.]

What’s Next?
Gyokeres is set to undergo his medical on Saturday, with an official announcement expected imminently. His arrival bolsters Arsenal’s attack ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 16.

Key Stats: Viktor Gyokeres (2024-25)

• 54 goals in 52 games
• 15 assists
• Primeira Liga Golden Boot winner
• Led Sporting to league and cup double

[Image 4: Emirates Stadium with caption: Arsenal fans await Gyokeres’ debut as title hopes soar.]

The transfer marks a statement of intent from Arsenal as they aim to dethrone Liverpool and secure their first league title since 2004. Gyokeres’ clinical finishing and physicality offer Arteta the focal point his squad has lacked—a potential missing piece in their pursuit of silverware.

Follow Mail Sport for live updates on Gyokeres’ medical and official unveiling.