Sporting Lisbon's star striker Viktor Gyokeres has made it clear he is ready to move on, with Arsenal emerging as the frontrunner for his signature. According to a report by David Ornstein, the 27-year-old Swedish international has informed Sporting Lisbon's president that he does not intend to report for pre-season training and has declared he will not play for the Portuguese club again.
🚨 Viktor Gyokeres does not intend to report for pre-season at Sporting Lisbon amid Arsenal pursuit. 27yo required to join squad Sat but told #SportingCP president he won’t play for club again. 5yr #AFC deal ready subject to fee being agreed @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/VdyGKSpiO5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 11, 2025
Arsenal’s Five-Year Deal on the Table
Gyokeres, who has been in scintillating form since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, has caught the attention of Arsenal's recruitment team. The Gunners have prepared a five-year contract for the forward, with negotiations now hinging on agreeing a transfer fee with Sporting. While no specific figure has been disclosed, Sporting are known to value their talisman highly.
A Prolific Striker Eyeing the Premier League
The 27-year-old’s decision to skip pre-season training underscores his determination to secure a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal leading the race. Gyokeres’ prolific goal-scoring record—43 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions last season—has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. His physicality, work rate, and clinical finishing align perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s vision for a versatile and dynamic forward to bolster Arsenal’s attacking options.
Arsenal’s Title Ambitions Fuel Pursuit
Arsenal’s pursuit comes as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, with the club aiming to challenge for the title after back-to-back seasons of narrow misses. Gyokeres could provide the cutting edge needed to complement the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, while offering a different profile to current strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
