Yardbarker
x

Arsenal are no longer flirting with the idea of signing Viktor Gyokeres — they’re now ready to go all-in.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Gunners are considering matching Sporting CP’s €70 million fixed fee plus €10 million in add-ons to sign their superstar striker. It’s a massive deal, and it would be one of the most expensive transfers in the club’s history, but it’s also the kind of deal title-winning clubs make. And Arsenal believe they are that club.

The best striker on the market

Let’s be honest: there is no better striker available right now than Viktor Gyokeres.

He’s strong, fast, intelligent, and lethal in the box — a complete No. 9 who thrives in possession-based systems. For a team like Arsenal, who create loads of chances but lack a 20+ goal striker, Gyokeres is the final piece of the puzzle.

Mikel Arteta’s system has squeezed production out of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in spurts, but neither is a true striker. And while Gabriel Jesus offers link-up and pressing, he’s never been a consistent goal threat. Arsenal need a killer. Gyokeres is that and more.

The release clause myth and a broken relationship

For months, many believed Sporting’s €100 million release clause was the only way to sign Gyokeres. That figure scared clubs away, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who were once interested.

But now the truth has come out — the clause is no longer in effect, per several reports, and A Bola now confirm Arsenal can get their man for €70 million + €10 million in achievable add-ons.

That shift in the market came at the perfect time for the Gunners. Gyokeres has reportedly grown disillusioned with Sporting, especially after their failure to facilitate a move earlier in the window. The relationship between club and player has soured, and it’s opened the door for a serious move.

Arsenal are not hesitating. They’re preparing to splash the cash and back their manager in a way that reflects their ambitions to finally reclaim the Premier League crown.

Title-winning intent

Manchester City are still the standard. But Arsenal have narrowed the gap significantly — and they nearly took it all last season. One of the key differences? City have Erling Haaland. Arsenal did not have a striker who could consistently win matches by himself.

Viktor Gyokeres is that guy. He can give Arsenal the kind of edge in the final third that transforms title challengers into champions.

The fact that Edu and Arteta are seriously considering an €80 million package for one player — in this case, the best striker in Europe not named Haaland or Mbappé — shows they mean business.

For Arsenal, Gyokeres isn’t a luxury, he’s a necessity. And they’re finally acting like it.

This article first appeared on The Trivela Effect and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!