Arsenal have finalized an agreement with Sporting for the signing of Viktor Gyökeres in a deal that could reach €73.5m (£63.7m), resolving the previous disagreements over the structure of €10m in performance-related payments. The lengthy negotiations have concluded Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new striker.
The breakthrough came late on Tuesday when Arsenal submitted an updated proposal addressing Sporting’s concerns about the bonus payments. The Portuguese club sought achievable add-ons based on Gyökeres’ performances, including goals, assists, appearances, and Champions League qualification, while Arsenal initially proposed more challenging conditions.
Last week, Sporting reportedly viewed €5m of Arsenal’s proposed bonuses as realistic, while the remaining €5m were considered unlikely. One such clause would have required Gyökeres to win the Ballon d’Or during his time at Arsenal.
Negotiations were primarily conducted through intermediaries, with limited direct discussions between the clubs. Sporting are satisfied with the final terms, having successfully secured the conditions they demanded.
Sporting had initially requested €70m plus €10m in add-ons—less than the €100m clause in Gyökeres’ contract—and ultimately settled on a base fee of €63.5m. The deal was also facilitated by the agents waiving their 10% commission, saving Sporting €6.35m.
Both sides had remained firm in their demands, with Gyökeres set on joining Arsenal despite interest from other clubs, and Sporting insisting on their valuation. Earlier tensions arose when the player refused to return for pre-season training, but Arteta can now proceed with integrating him into the squad.
Gyökeres marks Arsenal’s latest signing in a busy transfer window. Alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke, the club has invested £118.5m in new additions.
The Swedish striker enjoyed a successful spell at Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches after joining from Coventry for £20.5m in 2023. During his time in Portugal, he helped the club secure back-to-back league titles and last season’s Portuguese Cup.
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