Arsenal close to Viktor Gyokeres contract agreement after first bid submitted…

Arsenal is nearing a contract agreement with Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP following their initial bid.

Mikel Arteta’s team is actively seeking a new striker and has pinpointed the Swedish forward as a primary target.

Gyokeres, 26, has netted 52 goals and provided 13 assists in 50 matches for Sporting this season, making him one of the most coveted forwards in European football.

Arsenal aims to secure his services. Reports suggest that the Gunners are close to finalizing a five-year deal worth approximately £175,000 per week, totaling around £9 million annually.

Andrea Berta has been instrumental in persuading the Arsenal management to pursue Gyokeres, having previously tried to sign him during his tenure at Atletico Madrid.

Although players like Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, and Victor Osimhen have also been linked to Arsenal, Gyokeres remains the club’s preferred choice for the No.9 position, and Berta is eager to expedite the agreement.

Earlier reports indicated that Arsenal’s first offer, estimated at £63.5 million, has been made, with claims that they have ‘everything agreed’ with the striker.

However, Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, views this as merely an initial proposal and believes he can negotiate for a higher fee.

Gyokeres is in contention for this season’s European Golden Boot, which could further elevate his market value.

While Arsenal is currently leading the pursuit and feels optimistic about finalizing the deal, there are concerns that Chelsea might intervene and activate his £84.5 million release clause.

Sporting is expected to include a range of performance-related bonuses in the deal, some of which are easily attainable while others, like winning the Ballon d’Or, are more challenging.

While Arsenal is preparing for the summer transfer window, their primary attention is on the Premier League and their final two matches.

The Gunners will first face Newcastle United at home on Sunday, aiming to secure a top-five finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Ahead of the match, Arteta remarked on Friday: ‘The effort from everyone has been remarkable, given the circumstances.

This is our last home game, which makes it a particularly special event.

It presents us with the opportunity to secure our Champions League position and strengthen our chances for second place, while also expressing our gratitude to our supporters for their incredible season.

They have accompanied us on every journey, traveling with us both away and at home.

I believe it is one of the most significant days of the season, allowing us to thank them and for them to share their feelings about the team.’