Arsenal have completed the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon on a five-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
Although financial terms were not officially disclosed, British media reported that Arsenal agreed to pay a £55 million fixed fee, with a further £8 million in potential add-ons, for the prolific 27-year-old forward.
Manager Mikel Arteta hailed the signing as a significant boost to the squad ahead of the new campaign.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club,” Arteta said in a statement. “The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.”
Strengthening the attack was a top priority for Arsenal this summer, as the club seeks to finally clinch the Premier League title after finishing second in the last three seasons. Last term, Arsenal ended 10 points behind champions Liverpool and netted 17 fewer goals.
With no established number nine throughout much of the campaign, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz shared striking duties until injuries ruled them out early in the year. Midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as an emergency forward during the final stretch.
Gyökeres arrives after a remarkable stint at Sporting, whom he joined from Coventry City in 2023 for around £20 million. He scored 97 goals and recorded 28 assists in just 102 appearances for the Lisbon side.
Last season alone, he scored 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, helping Sporting to a league and cup double. His standout performance included a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
The Sweden international, who previously had a short spell with Brighton & Hove Albion, will wear the number 14 shirt and link up with the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.
Gyökeres becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of winger Noni Madueke, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and midfielders Christian Nørgaard and Martin Zubimendi.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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