By OkayGoal 
The striker saga at Arsenal is heating up — and fast. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Gunners are poised to submit a formal bid for Sporting Lisbon goal-machine Viktor Gyokeres within the next few hours, as Mikel Arteta intensifies his search for a clinical finisher.
Arsenal’s interest in a marquee No. 9 has been no secret this summer, and recent reports from BBC Sport suggest the North Londoners are now prioritising Gyokeres over RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The 26-year-old Swede has emerged as the top target — and the clock is ticking.
A Bola reveals that Arsenal have already tested the waters with an informal proposal of £47.5 million plus £8.5 million in add-ons, only to see it swiftly rejected by Sporting. The Portuguese champions are holding firm: they want no less than Gyokeres’ full £69 million release clause paid in full — or close to it.
Inside sources suggest Arsenal are prepared to increase their offer to £52 million plus the same £8.5 million in bonuses, but whether that will be enough to tempt Sporting remains to be seen. The Lisbon side are bracing for a formal offer to land imminently, with Gyokeres due back at the club for pre-season on Monday.
All Eyes on Gyokeres
The Swede enjoyed a jaw-dropping campaign in 2023/24, racking up an astonishing 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 appearances across all competitions. It’s no wonder Arsenal’s hierarchy, including newly appointed Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are pushing hard. Berta is said to be a long-time admirer of Gyokeres and sees him as someone who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
While Benjamin Sesko remains a long-term prospect, the former Brighton striker — who never made a senior appearance for the Seagulls — now looks like the man Arsenal believe can lead their line to glory this season.
High Stakes, Higher Expectations
But signing Gyokeres won’t be simple. Sporting have no financial pressure to sell and are playing hardball. The forward still has three years left on his deal, and the Lisbon club are standing firm on their valuation.
Should Arsenal meet their demands, they’ll be landing a striker who brings brute force, relentless energy, and a killer instinct in front of goal. Yet questions remain about his adaptation to the Premier League. Gyokeres is heavily right-footed, not known for aerial dominance, and will face a significant step up in physicality and tempo.
Still, if he can replicate anything close to his numbers from Portugal, a 25-goal season in red and white could make all the difference in a potential title charge.
The next few hours could define Arsenal’s transfer window — and possibly their season.