Barcelona considers Viktor Gyokeres for potential signing
In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona have officially ruled out a potential transfer for Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, citing financial constraints and tactical considerations as the main reasons [1]. The Spanish giants, who are aiming to win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season, were reportedly interested in the Swedish international striker as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have managed to secure the services of Gyökeres, with reports suggesting that the transfer fee is structured around €63.5 million fixed plus €10 million in add-ons, totalling close to €80 million [1][2][4]. This deal is expected to finalize in mid-July 2025, and Gyökeres is set to join Arsenal's squad in the Premier League.
The move is considered a major signing for Arsenal as they seek a top-class striker to bolster their attacking options [2][5]. Gyökeres has been in impressive form for Sporting Lisbon, scoring a total of 37 goals and giving 11 assists in 37 Portuguese league starts from 2023-24 to the present. In the current campaign, he has scored eight goals and given one assist in five league starts.
Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, are looking to defend their Portuguese league title and become champions for the second season in a row. Barcelona, who are also participating in the Champions League this season, share the same ambition of winning the prestigious competition.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick did not prioritize Gyökeres, preferring to rely on Lewandowski for the striker role and focusing resources on other positions [1]. The high transfer fee, around €80 million including add-ons, was also a deterrent for Barcelona, who are currently navigating financial challenges.
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, June 15). Barcelona rule out £68m Gyokeres transfer. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61282457
[2] Sky Sports. (2025, June 15). Arsenal agree deal with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11680/12406159/arsenal-agree-deal-with-sporting-lisbon-for-viktor-gyokeres
[3] Goal.com. (2025, June 15). Arsenal close to signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/arsenal-close-to-signing-viktor-gyokeres-from-sporting-lisbon/blt1b1a659c5a8f9264
[4] The Guardian. (2025, June 15). Arsenal agree deal with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/15/arsenal-agree-deal-with-sporting-lisbon-for-viktor-gyokeres
[5] ESPN. (2025, June 15). Arsenal agree deal for Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/football/transfernews/story/4616352/arsenal-agree-deal-for-viktor-gyokeres-from-sporting-lisbon
Despite Barcelona's initial interest in Viktor Gyökeres as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, financial constraints and tactical considerations led them to rule out a potential transfer [1]. Meanwhile, Arsenal have signed Gyökeres for a reported €80 million, a significant amount that exceeded Barcelona's budget, bolstering their attacking options in the Premier League [1][2][4].
Barcelona, who share the ambition of winning the UEFA Champions League this season, will focus their resources on other positions instead of prioritizing Gyökeres, who has joined European-leagues rival Arsenal [1]. Sporting Lisbon, however, aim to defend their Portuguese league title with Gyökeres' impressive goal-scoring abilities and assists [2][5].
