Arsenal “Closer to Finalising” Deal for £85m Star with Contract Semi-Agreed – Report

Arsenal is reportedly closing in on finalizing a deal for an £85 million star, with personal terms already largely agreed upon. The North London club, under the guidance of new sporting director Andrea Berta, is gearing up for a crucial transfer window. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool, Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad, particularly in the forward department.

One of the most pressing issues for Arsenal last season was the lack of a reliable goal scorer. Gabriel Jesus, who was in fine form before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, left a significant void. Although Kai Havertz admirably filled in as a makeshift striker, his performance did not consistently meet the goal-scoring expectations. Pundit Ally McCoist even highlighted the need for a prolific number nine, emphasizing that a dedicated centre forward could deliver 20 to 25 goals a season.

This gap in the attacking lineup has propelled Arsenal’s search for a top-class striker, and Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP has emerged as a prime target. The Swedish forward has had a sensational season, netting 52 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions. Such form has inevitably attracted attention from top clubs, but Arsenal appears to be leading the race for his signature.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Arsenal has made significant progress in talks with Gyökeres’ representatives. Personal terms are reportedly agreed, but the sticking point remains the transfer fee. Sporting CP is holding out for a substantial amount, potentially close to the full £85 million release clause, especially given interest from European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, and Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese media outlet A Bola has reported that Arsenal’s Andrea Berta is preparing for further negotiations after Sporting’s cup final, scheduled later this month. The Gunners are keen to finalize the deal before pre-season, allowing Gyökeres to integrate seamlessly into Arteta’s tactical setup.

The potential addition of Gyökeres could significantly elevate Arsenal’s attacking threat. Known for his powerful runs, clinical finishing, and ability to link up play, the Swedish international offers a dynamic presence in the final third. His goal-scoring record also suggests he could be the solution to Arsenal’s long-standing striker dilemma.

Sporting’s manager Rui Borges recently praised Gyökeres, stating that his value to the team is immense, and that his presence on the pitch motivates his teammates. Borges acknowledged that while no player is irreplaceable, Gyökeres’ quality would be hard to match.

If Arsenal can secure his signature, it would not only demonstrate their ambition but also bolster their chances of mounting a serious title challenge next season. With Gabriel Jesus expected to return to full fitness, having both strikers available would give Arteta multiple tactical options. Additionally, the competition for the number nine spot could push both players to new heights.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Arsenal seeks to strike a deal with Sporting. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates, hopeful that the Gyökeres transfer saga will end with the prolific forward donning the famous red and white jersey at the Emirates.

Should the transfer be completed, it would mark one of Arsenal’s most significant acquisitions in recent years, potentially transforming the team’s attacking fortunes. Until then, supporters remain on edge, tracking every development in what could be the club’s biggest move of the summer.