Arsenal have addressed their long-standing need for a reliable goalscorer by signing Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for an initial £55 million, potentially rising to £64 million with add-ons. The 27-year-old forward, fresh from a stunning season in which he netted 39 goals to win the Portuguese league and recorded a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City, has committed to a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
His arrival brings Arsenal’s summer outlay to around £200 million and represents Mikel Arteta’s sixth new face this window, following the additions of defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and forward Noni Madueke. The club confirmed the transfer via a succinct post on X: “This is where you need to be. Viktor Gyökeres is a Gunner.”
Gyökeres is expected to join his new teammates on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong, with fixtures against Newcastle United on July 27 and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on July 31. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his newest signing’s attributes: “Viktor has so many qualities. He is quick and powerful, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international level. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing will make him a constant threat in the box.”
A product of Brommapojkarna’s youth system, Gyökeres moved to Brighton in January 2018 but spent spells on loan at St Pauli, Swansea, and Coventry before a permanent switch to the Sky Blues in July 2021. After Coventry’s heartbreaking playoff final loss in 2023, he joined Sporting for £20.5 million and went on to score 97 goals in 102 appearances.
Arsenal’s attacking options were stretched last season by long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and Arteta has made no secret of his ambition to end the club’s 20-year Premier League title drought. New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in bolstering the squad, with Gyökeres expected to lead the line as Arsenal target silverware for the first time since their 2020 FA Cup triumph.
