Arsenal Edging Closer to Viktor Gyokeres Deal

Arsenal are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, with sources telling BBC Sport that a full agreement is expected within the next 24 hours. The proposed transfer fee for the Sweden international is €73.5 million (£63.5m), inclusive of add-ons.

Agreement Reached, Minor Details Remain

Negotiations between the two clubs have progressed rapidly, culminating in an agreement in principle. Only minor details remain to be ironed out before the transfer is officially confirmed. All parties are reportedly working diligently to ensure Gyokeres can join the Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia, which commences at the end of the week.

The current offer represents an improvement on Arsenal's initial bid of €70 million (£60m), demonstrating the club's determination to secure the prolific forward's services.

Gyokeres Agrees Personal Terms

Gyokeres, 27, has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the North London club. This signals his eagerness to join Mikel Arteta's squad and compete in the Premier League.

Background to the Transfer

Arsenal's pursuit of Gyokeres intensified after their attempts to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko hit a roadblock. BBC Sport reported earlier this month that Gyokeres emerged as the primary target following the Sesko impasse.

Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta travelled to Lisbon last week to spearhead negotiations with Sporting, indicating the seriousness of Arsenal's interest.

Expert Analysis: Gyokeres a Good Fit for Arsenal?

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer believes Gyokeres could be a valuable addition to Arsenal's attacking options. "Gyokeres has proven himself to be a consistent goalscorer in Portugal, and his physicality and work rate would be well-suited to the Premier League," Shearer told BBC Sport. "Arsenal need a reliable goalscorer to support Gabriel Jesus, and Gyokeres could be the answer."

However, football finance expert Kieran Maguire offers a cautionary note: "While Gyokeres is undoubtedly talented, Arsenal need to ensure this deal aligns with their long-term financial strategy. Paying such a significant fee requires careful consideration of the player's potential resale value and impact on the wage structure."

Sporting Discipline Issue

The transfer saga has been further complicated by a disciplinary issue at Sporting. Club president Frederico Varandas revealed that Gyokeres is facing disciplinary action for failing to report for pre-season training.

Gyokeres has not publicly addressed the reason for his absence, and Varandas emphasized that "no one is above the interests of the club."

Gyokeres' Impressive Record

Despite the disciplinary issue, Gyokeres' goalscoring record speaks for itself. He has scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting over the past two seasons, including a remarkable 54 goals in 52 games last season. His contributions were instrumental in Sporting securing two league titles.

Prior to his successful spell in Portugal, Gyokeres also played for Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City.

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