Arsenal superstar issues verdict on Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Cameron Smith

Updated: 21 Jul 2025 08:21 BST
5 min read

Gabriel Magalhaes has heaped praise on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of his proposed summer move to Arsenal.

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Gyokeres, 27, has gone on strike in order to force through a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal are yet to finalise an agreement with Sporting amid an ongoing dispute over add-on payments.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€69.3M - €84.8M

The Gunners have agreed to pay an initial fee of €63.5 million to sign the Sweden international, while add-ons will take the deal to €73.5m. However, the structure of these payments remain a major issue and reports in Portugal suggest that Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal is in doubt as a result.

Manchester United have reportedly lodged a last-minute bid in an attempt to hijack Arsenal’s deal for the ex-Coventry City striker, although Gyokeres has set his sights on joining Mikel Arteta’s side and FootballTransfers understands the move is still expected to go through.

Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting and he is seen as the ideal player to help Arsenal end a five-year trophy drought.

During an interview with BBC Sport, Gabriel was eager to avoid commenting on transfer speculation surrounding Gyokeres, but he was quick to praise the Sweden forward.

“We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player," Gabriel admitted.

“Playing against him last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season. About the celebration, it is something I can't talk about right now

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also tight-lipped when asked about Gyokeres during his press conference ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday.

“I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet," he said.

© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres is desperate to join Arsenal this summer

Arsenal’s summer transfers

Although a full agreement for Gyokeres has not yet been reached, Arsenal have already completed the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga so far this summer.

The Gunners have spent a combined fee of xm to bring the quartet to north London, and Gabriel believes they will play a crucial role at the Emirates Stadium next season.

“I think the players that came will help us out a lot,” the Brazil defender admitted.

“The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager. They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.

“The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players.

“Definitely, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players.”

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