On the afternoon of July 22, The Athletic and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon have reached a full agreement for the transfer of striker Viktor Gyokeres, in a deal worth up to £63.4 million. Of this amount, £54.8 million will be paid upfront by Arsenal, while the remaining £8.4 million depends on performance-related add-ons.

English media suggest Arsenal will pay less than expected—only £50.5 million upfront with £7 million in add-ons—bringing the total to around £57.5 million instead of the rumored £63.8 million.

Under Portuguese regulations, the final fee must be disclosed publicly once the transfer is completed. This reflects a smart negotiation by Arsenal, especially considering Sporting’s initial £87 million asking price. The money saved could be redirected toward other transfer targets.

A five-year contract has been prepared for Gyokeres, one of the most high-profile targets in this summer’s transfer window. The negotiation process was drawn out and complicated, with both clubs clashing over payment structure and bonuses. Sporting demanded the majority of the transfer fee to be paid immediately, while Arsenal attempted to spread the cost across multiple installments.

In a decisive move to break the deadlock, Gyokeres’ agent reportedly waived his commission, facilitating the swift conclusion of the transfer.

Gyokeres

Although the deal is nearing completion, Gyokeres is unlikely to participate in Arsenal’s Asia tour, which includes matches against AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, followed by a clash with Tottenham in Hong Kong.

Instead, the Swedish forward is expected to make his Arsenal debut during the August 6 friendly against Villarreal—the Gunners’ first home game after returning from Asia. A second friendly versus Athletic Club will follow before the Premier League campaign begins.

Arsenal will open their 2025/26 Premier League season with a high-stakes away match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Manager Mikel Arteta sees Gyokeres as the missing piece in his squad, as the Gunners push for their first league title since 2004.