Arsenal is reportedly in a strong position to secure the services of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the Gunners must remain vigilant against interest from Chelsea, according to reports from A Bola. The 26-year-old Swedish international has been in sensational form since joining Sporting CP from Championship side Coventry City in the summer of 2023. Last season, Gyokeres netted an impressive 43 goals and provided 15 assists across 50 appearances. This season, he has surpassed those numbers, registering 47 goals and 11 assists from 46 appearances thus far.
A Bola claims that Arsenal is ‘well positioned’ to pursue Gyokeres and is ‘prepared to attack’ for his signature soon. The striker reportedly sees the Gunners as one of his ‘preferred destinations’ in the Premier League. However, Chelsea has also expressed interest, having recently beaten Manchester United to the signing of Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda, indicating their capability to secure top talent.
Gyokeres has a hefty £86 million release clause in his contract, but reports suggest he has a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting CP to leave for around £60 million this summer. This situation puts Arsenal in a favorable position, especially given Chelsea's recent struggles to secure Champions League qualification. Currently, Chelsea sits sixth in the league and faces tough upcoming matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, making their path to the top five uncertain.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is poised to finish as runners-up in the league title race for the third consecutive season. Despite not being at their best this season due to injuries and questionable refereeing decisions, the Gunners have exceeded expectations by reaching the last four of the Champions League. Gyokeres, who recently scored a hat-trick against Moreirense on April 18, 2025, may be tempted to join a club with such aspirations.
While Chelsea has been a roadblock for Arsenal in the past—most notably when they hijacked the Gunners' pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023—there are reasons to believe Arsenal will have the upper hand in this particular chase. The Blues have a good working relationship with Sporting CP, having recently agreed to sign Quenda and Dario Essugo. Nonetheless, Gyokeres’ preference for a club capable of challenging for major trophies could sway his decision.
Moreover, Chelsea's recent cooling interest in superstar forwards has led them to reconsider their strategy, particularly regarding Gyokeres. Previously, reports indicated that Chelsea had tabled a bid of €85 million for the striker, but they are now reportedly ‘powering down’ their pursuit. Gyokeres himself has publicly stated that he is “very happy here” at Sporting CP and is “not worried” about the ongoing transfer speculation.
As Gyokeres continues to shine, scoring 21 goals in 17 league appearances and over 30 goals in all competitions this season, he has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. His versatility and ability to stretch defenses make him an attractive option for clubs like Chelsea, who are looking to bolster their attacking options.
However, the competition for Gyokeres is fierce, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich also keeping a close eye on the striker. Both clubs view him as a potential long-term solution for their attacking needs. Chelsea, while still interested, may need to offload current forwards or rotate their squad before making a decisive move for Gyokeres.
From a pragmatic perspective, this may not be the right window for Chelsea to pursue Gyokeres aggressively. Sporting CP is adamant that he cannot leave midway through the season, particularly with their title aspirations at stake. Unless a club meets the full extent of his release clause, which seems unlikely at this point, Gyokeres is likely to remain in Lisbon until at least the summer.
As for Gyokeres himself, he remains coy about his future. After his hat-trick against Moreirense, he was asked about rumors regarding a potential move. He stated, “No one can predict what will happen; we enjoy the moment.” This statement reflects his current focus on Sporting as they push for a league title.
Despite the swirling rumors and interest from top clubs, Gyokeres appears committed to finishing the season strong with Sporting CP. His performances have not only solidified his status as one of Europe’s rising stars but have also put him in a prime position for a significant transfer this summer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Gyokeres. Arsenal seems to be the frontrunner, especially given his desire to play in the Champions League. With Chelsea's ambitions still uncertain and Manchester United also in the mix, Gyokeres' next move could have major implications for all parties involved.
In conclusion, the transfer saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres is far from over. With Arsenal and Chelsea both vying for his signature, the coming weeks will be crucial as the clubs prepare for the summer transfer window. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this exciting story.
