Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal Win Race for Viktor Gyokeres as Striker Snubs a Manchester United Move

The Sporting CP Star Set To Agree to a Five-Year Deal With the Gunners.

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal look to be set to win the race for the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. As per the journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have reached a full agreement over a five-year contract with the Swedish striker.

The move has been described as “at an advanced stage.” Once made official, it will end speculation of a potential switch to Manchester United. Gyokores had long been linked with a move to Old Trafford as the Red Devils are in active search of a forward.

Manchester United were reportedly hopeful of reuniting Gyokeres with his former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. Especially after a public fallout between the striker and Sporting over a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ for his departure. However, it seems Arsenal won the race to bring him to England.

Arsenal’s qualification for Champions League football and their aggressive summer transfer strategy may have tipped the scales in their favor. According to multiple reports, Gyokeres has already informed Sporting of his intention to leave.

Also Read: Arsenal’s Pursuit of Noni Madueke: A Game-Changing Transfer Move in 2025

Reportedly, the player has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal until 2030 as well. The proposed deal could be worth an initial £56m plus £15m in bonuses. Even so, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has denied any prior agreement to release the striker for a set fee.

Sporting Exit Looms for Viktor Gyokores

Gyokeres has been sensational since he joined Sporting from Coventry City in 2023. In just two seasons, in 102 appearances across all competitions, he has scored an astonishing 97 goals and provided 28 assists. Last season alone, he netted 54 times in 52 games.

Also Read: Arsenal Part Ways with Takehiro Tomiyasu Following Injury Struggles

With that, he won the Bola de Prata as Portugal’s top scorer for the second consecutive year. It’s not wonder that he became one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. The 27-year-old also made headlines with a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

He also has 15 goals in 26 appearances for Sweden. With Gyokeres set to join the Emirates, this will be the club’s recent additions following the addition of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and possibly Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

Arsenal

Manchester United

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyokores

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.