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Arsenal sign Sporting goal machine Gyokeres in statement transfer

Viktor Gyokeres has become well-known for his celebration
Viktor Gyokeres has become well-known for his celebrationPatricia de Melo Moreira / AFP

Arsenal have signed striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting in a deal worth up to €73 million (£63m).

The Sweden international has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners and he will now link up with his new teammates in Asia for their pre-season tour.

Arsenal will reportedly pay the Portuguese club a guaranteed £55 million fee, plus £8 million in add-ons.

"To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can't wait. It will be an amazing feeling," he told Arsenal.com. 

"It's a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well.

"Now to come here to a club on Arsenal's level, I think it's going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I'm really excited to get going."

Both sides had been locked in lengthy negotiations, with the transfer held up due to disagreements over the bonuses in the deal.

Sporting were reportedly keen on the add-ons to be based on performance, while Arsenal wanted to set more challenging targets.

There was also friction on Gyokeres' end after failing to report back for pre-season training in order to force a move to north London.

Arsenal set their sights on the 27-year-old after initially targeting RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but saw no progress beyond interest.

Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry in July 2023 and scored an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances, helping the club win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.

Interest in his services increased following the most recent campaign, which saw him net 54 times in 52 games.

"I started here (in England), it feels like a long time ago. I think I've improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team," added Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres stats
Viktor Gyokeres statsFlashscore

Gyokeres has played 26 games for Sweden since making his debut in 2019, scoring 15 goals.