Arsenal Looking “To Pounce” for Viktor Gyokeres as Sporting Star “Hints at Exit” | OneFootball

Swedish striker draws Premier League attention

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific forwards in Europe this season — and now, it seems, his future could lie in the Premier League. The Swedish international has attracted serious interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are currently frontrunners for the striker’s signature.

The Sporting CP frontman has taken the Primeira Liga by storm, scoring an astonishing 39 league goals in a title-winning campaign. With form like that, it’s little surprise that top English clubs are circling.

Advanced talks between Arsenal and Sporting

According to sources close to the negotiations, Arsenal have entered an advanced stage of talks with Sporting over a summer move for Gyokeres. The Gunners are said to have tabled a five-year contract worth close to £9 million per season, a financial package that underlines their determination to secure the 26-year-old.

Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season after falling just short in the Premier League title race. With Gabriel Jesus struggling for consistent fitness and Kai Havertz still adapting to a fluid forward role, Arsenal are believed to view Gyokeres as a proven, physical No.9 who can thrive in their high-intensity system.

Gyokeres staying focused amid speculation

Despite the mounting transfer talk, Gyokeres has kept his focus firmly on Sporting’s on-pitch success. On Saturday, the striker found the net once again — his 39th league goal of the campaign — helping his side to a crucial 3-0 win over Vitoria that secured the Primeira Liga crown.

Speaking to Sport TV after the final whistle, Gyokeres addressed speculation over a possible farewell appearance at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Rather than linger on his future, Gyokeres was keen to revel in the moment and direct attention to Sporting’s upcoming Taça de Portugal final against Benfica.

Summer departure appears increasingly likely

Sporting are braced for significant interest in Gyokeres, whose release clause is understood to be over €100 million. While it remains to be seen whether any club will trigger that figure outright, Arsenal’s early intent and concrete proposal could be enough to sway both player and club.

The Lisbon-based outfit are well aware they may struggle to hold onto their star striker, especially after a historic season that has boosted his market value and European profile.

For Gyokeres, the next few weeks will be decisive. But if Saturday was indeed his final league appearance for Sporting, he couldn’t have written a better farewell script.

Stats Analysis

The radar chart presented offers a detailed statistical breakdown of Viktor Gyökeres’ performance over the last 365 days, measured against fellow forwards. Featuring data from 2,894 minutes of action, the chart reinforces why the Sporting CP striker is one of the most sought-after attacking talents in Europe — and why Arsenal’s reported interest is far from surprising.

Attacking Output: Gyökeres scores an elite 99th percentile in key attacking metrics such as non-penalty expected goals (npxG), non-penalty goals, and shot-creating actions. He also ranks in the 97th percentile for assists and 90th percentile for expected assisted goals (xAG), underscoring his dual threat — not just a finisher, but a provider.

Possession and Progression: The Swedish striker also demonstrates impressive technical and progressive qualities. He is in the 99th percentile for progressive carries and 98th percentile for successful take-ons, showing a relentless ability to drive play forward. His touch volume (86th percentile) and progressive passes received (99th percentile) further point to a player heavily involved in build-up and transitional phases — ideal for modern pressing systems like Mikel Arteta’s at Arsenal.

Defensive Metrics: While not known for defensive duties, Gyökeres contributes more than most forwards. He is in the 82nd percentile for aerials won and dribblers tackled, indicating he competes aggressively in duels. His tackles and interceptions (32nd percentile) and blocks (20th percentile) are modest but show willingness to press and disrupt.

In short, the data illustrates a complete modern striker — prolific, creative, technically sound, and defensively active. Whether leading the line or linking play, Gyökeres offers an elite statistical profile that matches the demands of top-tier European football.