Arsenal transfer rumours: Gunners 'closing in on agreement' for 52-goal striker amid Man United, Liverpool interest

Arsenal have reportedly made progress in their quest to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have ultimately fallen considerably short of Premier League champions Liverpool this season, and their lack of centre-forward options have proven to be a factor in their failed title bid.

Gabriel Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January, while Kai Havertz sustained a hamstring problem in April, leaving Mikel Arteta to use Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward.

Having been left light in the final third, Arsenal are determined to address the issue in the transfer market ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Sporting's Gyokeres, who is expected to depart at the end of the season.

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Arsenal make progress in Gyokeres pursuit

Earlier this month, it was reported that Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal despite having a strong relationship with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are closing in on an agreement with Gyokeres over personal terms ahead of a possible move.

The report claims that negotiations between the Gunners and the striker's representatives are now at an 'advanced stage'.

Arsenal are believed to be willing to offer him a five-year contract that would see Gyokeres earn around £9m a year.

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Man United, Liverpool could still rival Arsenal

While Arsenal are leading the race for Gyokeres's signature, they are still facing competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.

There is a belief that the Red Devils are preparing to make a bid to sign the Sweden international, although they may struggle to secure his services if they fail to secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are understood to view Gyokeres as a possible replacement for Darwin Nunez, who is widely expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

Gyokeres is garnering plenty of interest after becoming one of Europe's most prolific strikers during his two-year stay with Sporting.

The 26-year-old, who joined Sporting from Coventry in 2023, netted 43 goals in 50 appearances in his first season in Portugal, including 29 goals in 33 league matches to fire his side to the Primeira Liga title.

Sporting's star man has surpassed that tally in 2024-25, having racked up 52 goals in 50 games across all competitions.

Gyokeres has netted 38 of those strikes in the Portuguese top flight to put Sporting in pole position to clinch the title ahead of the final round of fixtures.