London, March 30, 2025 – Arsenal are intensifying their pursuit of Sporting CP’s sensational Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, positioning him as a prime candidate for a high-profile summer transfer, according to reliable football journalist David Ornstein. The 26-year-old forward has emerged as a key target for the Gunners, driven by the admiration of Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, who sees Gyokeres as a realistic and exciting option to strengthen the team’s attacking line.
Ornstein, reporting for The Athletic alongside Gunnerblog, revealed on X that Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres is “developing strongly,” with the striker expected to figure prominently among the club’s options for the upcoming transfer window. This move comes as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seeks to address a critical need up front, following season-ending injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. With midfielder Mikel Merino recently deployed as an emergency striker, the club is prioritizing a proven goal-scorer to lead their attack.
Gyokeres, who moved to Sporting CP from Coventry City in 2023, has transformed into one of Europe’s most prolific attackers. His remarkable record of 85 goals and 26 assists in just 92 appearances for Sporting underscores his devastating form. This season alone, the Sweden international has netted an impressive 30 goals in 26 Primeira Liga matches, helping Sporting maintain their title challenge. His standout performances, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, have drawn comparisons to top strikers like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, cementing his reputation as a clinical finisher with an unrelenting work ethic.
While Arsenal have long admired Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Ornstein notes that Newcastle’s reluctance to part with their star player makes a move for Isak highly unlikely, even for a substantial fee. The Gunners have also explored other options, such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but Gyokeres now appears to be a more prominent and feasible target. Arsenal’s failed winter approach for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and discussions over a loan for AC Milan’s Álvaro Morata—before his move to Galatasaray—further highlight their urgency to secure a top-tier striker.
Andrea Berta, who officially joined Arsenal as sporting director this weekend after a distinguished tenure at Atlético Madrid, is said to be a firm admirer of Gyokeres. Berta’s appointment, replacing the popular Edu, signals a new era for Arsenal’s transfer strategy, and his relationship with Mikel Arteta is expected to play a pivotal role in navigating the summer window. With Sporting CP reportedly willing to negotiate Gyokeres’ transfer for around £63 million—below his £83 million release clause—Arsenal see a realistic opportunity to secure a transformative talent.
Gyokeres’ journey to stardom has been unconventional but inspiring. After stints at Brommapojkarna, Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City, and Coventry City, the striker found his true calling as a central forward at Sporting under manager Rúben Amorim. Analysts, including The Transfer Radar 2025’s Tim Spiers, note that Gyokeres’ late blooming—marked by his relentless desire to improve—sets him apart. Though not the fastest or most technically gifted, his positioning, finishing, and work rate make him a nightmare for defenders. However, Spiers cautions that some Portuguese league stars, like Carlos Vinicius and Darwin Núñez, have struggled to replicate their form in the Premier League, raising questions about whether Gyokeres can adapt to the intensity of English football.
For Arsenal, signing Gyokeres would represent a bold statement of intent as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title. With the club returning to action against Fulham on Tuesday, fans are eagerly anticipating how Arteta and Berta will shape the squad for the 2025-26 season. If the transfer materializes, Gyokeres could become the linchpin of Arsenal’s attack, offering the firepower needed to compete at the highest level.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s negotiations with Sporting CP and Gyokeres’ camp. With his proven goal-scoring prowess and Berta’s backing, the Swedish star could soon be lighting up the Emirates Stadium—but only time will tell if this ambitious move comes to fruition.
