Report: Arsenal eye €100m move as striker deal heats up | OneFootball

Arsenal Push for Viktor Gyökeres as Sporting Raise the Stakes

Sporting’s Price Hike Sparks Tensions

Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres has entered a critical phase as the Gunners prepare a new offer for the prolific Swedish forward. Football Transfers report that negotiations have hit a bump after Sporting CP dramatically increased their asking price. Initially expected to demand €65 million, the Portuguese club have now shifted their stance, seeking a figure closer to €100 million—an abrupt change that has frustrated both Arsenal and Gyökeres’ representatives.

The 27-year-old striker, who scored an astounding 97 goals in just 102 appearances for Sporting, has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top target to lead the line next season. Arsenal view Gyökeres as the ideal profile to complement their existing attacking options, with his blend of power, movement and elite finishing setting him apart.

Gyökeres Over Sesko as Priority

Benjamin Sesko had also been on Arsenal’s radar, but talks with the RB Leipzig forward have faltered. As Football Transfers detail, Sesko’s demand for a release clause and high wages have become significant stumbling blocks. That’s prompted the North Londoners to refocus their attention on Gyökeres.

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Arteta is eager to have the striker on board in time for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. According to the report, a second official offer is imminent as Arsenal accelerate their efforts to seal the deal. Gyökeres himself is said to be fully committed to joining Arsenal and is hoping to finalise the move before the 2025–26 campaign begins.

“Viktor Gyökeres wants to join Arsenal,” the article states plainly, underlining the forward’s preference despite interest from Manchester United.

Zubimendi Set to Arrive

While talks for Gyökeres remain in motion, Arsenal have moved forward with another major addition. Martin Zubimendi is currently in London to complete a transfer from Real Sociedad, as confirmed by Sky Sports News. The Spanish midfielder is set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, with Football Transfers having broken the news in early May.

Zubimendi is expected to replace Thomas Partey in the squad, filling the holding midfield role with composure, tactical awareness and a touch of La Liga finesse. His arrival adds depth to Arteta’s midfield and could pave the way for further tactical flexibility.

Arsenal Determined to Land Their Man

Sporting’s sudden price inflation may complicate matters, but Arsenal appear unwavering in their intent to bring Gyökeres to the Emirates. Whether the new bid meets Sporting’s demands remains to be seen, but the willingness to press ahead despite the financial strain shows just how highly Arteta rates the Sweden international.

Should a deal be struck, Gyökeres could become one of the most high-profile Premier League signings of the window, injecting proven goalscoring pedigree into a side that fell just short in their title bid last season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this is a bold yet calculated move. The club has clearly learned from previous windows where a lack of ruthlessness in the market led to gaps in the squad. Viktor Gyökeres feels like a signing made with intent—a player entering his prime, hungry for a new challenge and boasting one of Europe’s best goal-to-game ratios.

While the €100m asking price may seem excessive, it’s in line with the modern market—especially when considering what players like Darwin Núñez, Rasmus Højlund or Nicolas Jackson have cost, without delivering similar output. Gyökeres not only offers goals but also the kind of physical presence that Arsenal’s front line occasionally lacks against deep, compact blocks.

The frustrations around Benjamin Sesko’s wage and contract demands only highlight the importance of identifying alternatives who genuinely want to play for the club. Gyökeres fits that bill. His preference for Arsenal over Manchester United speaks volumes.

Zubimendi’s pending arrival is also a major positive. Partey’s injury issues and inconsistency last season meant Arsenal were often thin in midfield. A composed operator like Zubimendi—who’s thrived in a demanding La Liga environment—could be a game-changer in big European nights.

Arsenal fans should be excited. These moves suggest a front-footed summer of business that could finally deliver silverware.