Arsenal is on the brink of finalising a deal with Sporting for the signing of Swedish forward, Viktor Gyokeres. The agreement, worth 73.5m euros (£63.5m), is expected to be reached within the next 24 hours.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, a club-to-club deal has been established with only minor details left unresolved. All parties involved are working diligently towards completing the signing in time for Gyokeres to join Arsenal's pre-season tour in Asia at week's end.
The current offer, inclusive of add-ons, marks an improvement on Arsenal's previous proposal of 70m euros (£60m).
Five year agreement with Gyokeres
Gyokeres, aged 27 and boasting an impressive record from last season with 54 goals in 52 games, has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal. Earlier this month, BBC Sport revealed that Arsenal had shifted their focus towards securing Gyokeres after encountering difficulties in their attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Andrea Berta, Gunners' sporting director flew out to Lisbon last week leading negotiations with Sporting. Over the weekend however there were reports that Gyokeres was facing disciplinary action after failing to report for pre-season training at Sporting.
Sporting's president Frederico Varandas expressed his disappointment over this incident stating that "no one is above the interests of the club". As yet there has been no public explanation from Gyokeres as to why he failed to attend pre-season training.
Stellar record
Despite recent controversies surrounding his discipline issues at Sporting Lisbon; it cannot be denied that Viktor Gyokers brings an impressive track record along with him. The former Brighton and Coventry striker scored a staggering 97 goals in 102 matches over his two seasons in Portugal, leading Sporting to clinch two league titles.
This deal marks a significant move for Arsenal as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. The addition of Gyokeres, with his proven goal-scoring prowess, could provide the Gunners with the firepower they need to compete at the highest level. However, it remains to be seen how this recent disciplinary issue will play out and whether it will have any impact on the finalisation of this deal.
