‘Machine’ Viktor Gyokeres Set to Lead Arsenal’s Frontline as £64m Transfer Nears Completion

Arsenal told Gyokeres will score 25 goals in debut season as Gunners seal deal for Sporting striker

Arsenal look set to finally put the finishing touches on one of this summer’s longest-running transfer sagas, as Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres edges ever closer to a sensational £64 million move to the Emirates Stadium. The deal, months in the making, marks a major attacking investment by Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff, who believe the prolific Swedish forward could be the final piece of their Premier League title puzzle.

Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting CP had threatened to collapse earlier this month, with both sides at loggerheads over the structure of a €10 million bonus payment. However, the two clubs have now reached an agreement, and the finishing touches on the transfer are being finalised behind the scenes.

The Gunners’ fans have every reason to be excited. Gyokeres arrives on the back of a thunderous season in Portugal, where he scored 43 goals in all competitions and terrorised defences in both domestic and European fixtures. But according to one former Arsenal favourite, that’s just the beginning.

Limpar: “He’s a goal machine — 25 goals minimum for Arsenal”

Anders Limpar, who played for the Gunners between 1990 and 1994 and remains a much-loved figure in north London, didn’t hold back when asked about Gyokeres‘ potential impact at his former club. The 59-year-old Swede, speaking to Fotbolldirekt, was full of praise for his countryman, describing him as “a hell of a player” and someone who will thrive under Mikel Arteta’s meticulous management style.

“I know that pretty much all the Arsenal players are top professionals,” Limpar explained. “I’ve been to the training ground, I’ve spoken to Arteta. He’s Mr. 100 percent professional. And that’s what you get from Viktor. He’s such a prospect when it comes to looking after himself — no scandals, no distractions. Just football.”

Gyokeres, who turned 27 in June, is seen by many as entering the prime years of his career. That’s a big reason why Arsenal were willing to smash past the £60m mark to bring him in. Limpar believes it’s money well spent.

“He is a No. 9, and he can sniff out a goal chance. He’s going to be the perfect icing on the cake for Arsenal,” he added. “And I don’t have to look down on Havertz or Jesus, who are both great players. But bringing in Viktor at this moment, at his best age and form? He’s a goal-scoring machine. And with all the supply coming from the wings and from Ødegaard, he’s going to score 25 goals. Minimum.”

The perfect fit for Arteta’s system?

gyokeres sporting 2025 16.9

In truth, Arsenal have been crying out for a more traditional centre-forward ever since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure. Gabriel Jesus has added mobility and intelligence to the front line, while Kai Havertz showed flashes of his best form last season when deployed as a false nine. But what Arteta’s system has often lacked is a penalty-box predator — a striker who lives for goals.

Gyokeres fits the bill perfectly. He’s powerful, direct, technically strong and thrives on high-intensity pressing, something Arteta values deeply. Add to that his eye for goal and ability to finish with either foot or his head, and it’s no wonder Arsenal made him their number one striker target this summer.

What’s more, his character seems tailor-made for the Gunners’ young, disciplined squad. Reports from Lisbon describe him as a humble, hardworking figure who avoids the limelight and lets his football do the talking. That work ethic, combined with a lethal goal-scoring instinct, could make him an instant favourite at the Emirates.

Finalising the transfer and what comes next

The Gunners are now racing to get the formalities over the line. Club sources remain hopeful that Gyokeres will sign and complete his medical in the coming days, with the aim of joining up with the squad during their Asia tour.

Arsenal are currently preparing to face AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday in a glamour friendly at the National Stadium. It remains unlikely that Gyokeres will feature in that particular match, but should the paperwork and logistics fall into place, the Swedish international could be integrated swiftly ahead of Arsenal’s final pre-season fixtures and the Community Shield.

Arsenal fans have been tracking the deal for weeks with a mix of frustration and anticipation. Sporting had been holding firm over the payment structure of the deal, with the Portuguese side keen to ensure that their financial terms were met in full. Arsenal, meanwhile, were cautious about front-loading too much of the fee, having already made sizeable investments in other positions in recent transfer windows.

Now, with the agreement settled, there’s renewed excitement among supporters. Arteta’s side ran Manchester City close last season, and the addition of a top-tier striker could be the move that tips the balance in Arsenal’s favour as they bid to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

25 goals and beyond? The pressure and promise

While Limpar’s prediction of 25 goals may sound bold, it’s not out of the question when you look at Gyokeres’ record. His numbers at Sporting were staggering, and he did it across multiple competitions — including the UEFA Europa League, where he scored against some of Europe’s elite.

But adapting to the Premier League is always a different beast. The pace, physicality, and tactical variety can take time to adjust to. Some foreign strikers have taken a full season to bed in, while others — think Erling Haaland — hit the ground running.

For Arsenal, even if Gyokeres doesn’t hit 25 right away, his presence alone could transform their attacking threat. Defenders will have to account for his physicality, which could open up more space for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ødegaard to exploit.

Arsenal fans ready to welcome their new No. 9

There’s little doubt that Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent arrival has the Arsenal fanbase buzzing. After years of slow rebuilds and false dawns, Arteta’s Arsenal are once again a serious force — and adding a “machine” like Gyokeres only underlines their title intentions.

Limpar’s verdict may prove prophetic or optimistic, but either way, the Gunners are getting a striker who fits their style, their ethos, and their ambition. The countdown is on.

And if all goes to plan, the Emirates will have a new hero leading the line come August — and he’s got 25 goals on his mind.