Arsenal are finally set to sign in-demand striker Viktor Gyokeres after the player’s agent made a key decision that smoothened talks between the Gunners and Sporting CP.
Arsenal have finally landed their top summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, after agreeing a £63.5 million deal with Sporting Lisbon.
The Gunners will pay £54.8 million upfront with an additional £8.6 million in performance-related add-ons for the 27-year-old striker, who has signed a five-year contract as per The Sun.
Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, played a key role in facilitating the transfer by waiving his 10% commission, effectively lowering the guaranteed payment for Arsenal without impacting Sporting's overall asking price.
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The deal marks Arsenal's fourth summer signing, following Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi. The club has also reportedly agreed a £52 million deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
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Manager Mikel Arteta was eager to secure a new number nine before the club's pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. Arsenal lacked a consistent striker last season, a factor that arguably contributed to their second-place finish, ten points behind champions Liverpool and with a significantly lower goal tally.
Sporting's initial demands were reportedly set at £60.4 million plus add-ons. However, Gyokeres' refusal to return to pre-season training with the Portuguese club, coupled with his desire to join Arsenal, added pressure to the negotiations.
Sporting Had Stood Firm Before Gyokeres’ Agent’s Decision
Sporting president Frederico Varandas had publicly criticized Gyokeres' actions, vowing not to succumb to "blackmail and insults." Gyokeres, reportedly hurt by Varandas' comments, believed Sporting had reneged on a gentlemen's agreement regarding his departure.
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The Swedish striker, who scored an impressive 54 goals in 52 games last season, helping Sporting to a league and cup double, had become one of Europe's most sought-after players.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta traveled to Lisbon last week to finalize the deal. While Varandas had threatened disciplinary action against Gyokeres, the transfer now brings an end to the public standoff.
Arteta had also considered Red Bull Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but Berta favored Gyokeres, whose 97 goals in 102 games during his two seasons in Portugal made him a compelling target. The signing is likely to appease Arsenal fans who have been clamoring for a top-class striker. Recent fan protests, including graffiti and banners criticizing Arteta, highlight the urgency surrounding the situation.
Gyokeres, who has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, expressed his determination to join Arsenal, viewing the move as "great revenge" after an unsuccessful spell at Brighton where he failed to make a first-team appearance. He now has the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League.
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