Arsenal transfer is the top ambition of the client, according to the agent's statement.
In a protracted transfer saga, Arsenal have secured the signing of prolific Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The deal, which was finalised in mid-July 2025, was not straightforward due to complications at Sporting.
Gyökeres, who boasts an impressive scoring record of 54 goals in 52 games at Sporting, had attracted Premier League interest with his exceptional form. However, Sporting initially valued Gyökeres at around £67.7 million (€80 million total including add-ons), a valuation that Arsenal sought to negotiate down.
The striker himself pushed hard for the move, with reports suggesting that he refused to report for training to emphasise his desire to join Arsenal and play in the Premier League. However, his agent, Jonathan Chalkias, clarified that the idea of skipping training came from Sporting, not Gyökeres.
The stalemate delayed the transfer past Arsenal's preseason start, causing frustration among fans and manager Mikel Arteta. The deal almost fell through due to the unfulfilled verbal agreement, according to Chalkias, who revealed that a verbal agreement with Sporting's former sporting director, Hugo Viana, who moved to Manchester City, was not upheld.
Despite the challenges, an agreement was reached for a deal around €80 million (approximately £68 million), combining a fixed fee and performance bonuses without intermediary commission fees, allowing Sporting to retain a larger proportion of the sum.
The drawn-out saga led to a high-value transfer fee reflecting Gyökeres' talent and market demand. The saga also highlighted Sporting’s firm negotiation stance and Gyökeres’ determination to join Arsenal, shaping a financially significant and high-profile signing for the Gunners.
In other transfer news, Arsenal have also signed Noni Madueke from a close rival, and young starlet Ethan Nwaneri has signed a new deal with the club. Additionally, reports suggest that Arsenal successfully signed Martin Zubimendi, who previously rejected Liverpool.
The unnecessary and public wrangling by Sporting may make agents hesitant to send the next up-and-coming star to the Jose Alvalade Stadium, raising questions about the club's approach to negotiations in the future.
The prolific Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who secured a move to Arsenal from Sporting CP, had attracted significant Premier League interest due to his exceptional form in European leagues, particularly in the Premier League. His agent, Jonathan Chalkias, revealed that the high-value transfer fee of approximately £68 million reflected Gyökeres' talent and market demand, shedding light on the firm negotiation stance of both parties, especially Sporting CP, which may have wider implications for future player negotiations.
