Arsenal close to £84m transfer with 43-goal striker's agent to attend Real Madrid clash

Arsenal appear to be edging ever close to signing £84 million Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres with a number of promising signs coming in the days ahead of the Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.

Recruiting a talisman to lead the line next season with new technical director Andrea Berta tasked with brokering that deal. Newcastle United man Alexander Isak had emerged as a top target but it now appears that Arsenal are making fast progress in the pursuit of Gyokeres.

Football Transfers reports that the striker’s agent will be at the Emirates Stadium tonight for the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. That comes after it was reported over the weekend that Arsenal were set to open talks with Sporting and the player.

Sporting manager hints at Gyokeres transfer

Sporting head coach Rui Borges has now also suggested that Gyokeres could be on his way out of the club this summer. He recently told reporters: "Viktor is a player... I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years. He is clearly above average.

"Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional. I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games. The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.

"He is the best in the league, clearly. There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates. He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest. Maybe today he could rest. It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and teammate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."

Gyokeres keen on Arsenal transfer

It’s all very promising for Arsenal with no questions over the player’s ability to stick the ball in the back of the net. Gyokeres has already plundered 43 goals in 43 appearances this season and has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. He now has 86 goals in 93 appearances for Sporting since making the move from Coventry City in 2023.

Gyokeres has a release clause worth £84 million built into his Sporting contract but, if the club and player are both open to a sale, the Gunners may hope to negotiate a lower fee. Metro claimed over the weekend that the striker was favouring a move to Arsenal over a Premier League rival.

Gyokeres was asked earlier in March about his potential departure this summer, but he maintained that it’s not something that is on his mind currently. He said; “No, no one has spoken to me. It's nothing that's on my mind at the moment. Rumours, once again. My focus is on Sporting."

Gyokeres was also asked back in November about the same topic after Ruben Amorim was poached by Manchester United. He responded to Fotbollskanalen: "It’s very sad that he’s leaving, but of course we understand his decision. He has of course meant a lot [to me] considering that he gave me that chance and that he made me develop so much."

In other news, this is how the Arsenal players rated against Everton with a ‘swaggering’ 9/10 but frustrating 6/10.