Arsenal open to selling Viktor Gyökeres just one year after £63.5m signing

Key facts

• Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP for £63.5 million ($85.3 million) last summer.
• He has scored 18 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions this season.
• Arsenal are reportedly open to listening to offers for Gyökeres this summer.
• Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas praised Gyökeres but mocked his agents for waiving their commission.
• Gyökeres went on strike to force through his transfer to Arsenal, later defending his actions.
• He has scored two goals in three Arsenal appearances, including a double against Leeds United.

A short-lived era in North London

Arsenal are prepared to entertain offers for Viktor Gyökeres just twelve months after completing his £63.5 million ($85.3 million) move from Sporting CP, according to a prominent insider on social media. The Swedish international, signed as the solution to Mikel Arteta’s long-standing search for a clinical number nine, could see his stay in North London cut unexpectedly short. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly weighing whether Gyökeres fits Arteta’s tactical evolution, even as Arsenal enjoy an impressive campaign. The decision comes at a time when the Gunners are already being linked with potential replacements.

Decent numbers, elite expectations

Gyökeres has netted 18 goals in 48 games across all competitions during his debut season in English football. While these statistics represent a solid return for a newcomer in the world’s most competitive league, they fall short of the elite standard many anticipated after his prolific spell in Portugal. Some observers attribute the shortfall to Arteta’s passive style of play, which may not fully leverage Gyökeres’ strengths. For now, the 27-year-old remains a key part of the squad, but the report suggests his long-term role is under scrutiny.

A contentious departure from Lisbon

Gyökeres’ transfer saga was one of the more eventful stories of recent windows. Long-standing claims of a gentlemen’s agreement over a transfer fee were dismissed as allegations of blackmail were thrown around, with the striker ultimately going on strike to force through a deal. He recently defended taking such drastic action. Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas refused to criticise Gyökeres over the nature of his departure, but he took the opportunity to poke fun at the striker’s agents. “I sent a message congratulating Gyökeres [on the move],” Varandas said. “He will always be a legend at this club, and as president of Sporting, I will always defend that legend. He was one of the best professionals I had here until the end of the season.”

Varandas’ dig at the agents

Varandas added: “I have fond memories of his agents. I think they’re very good, because I made €90 million and paid no commission. They’re excellent agents. I have the best memories... zero commission.” The remark highlighted the tough negotiations between the clubs, with Sporting extracting every penny of value from an increasingly desperate Arsenal. Gyökeres’ representatives even waived their agent fees to smooth tense discussions. An agreement worth a total of £63.5 million ($85.3 million) was eventually reached, ending a saga that had dragged across multiple windows.

Mixed start at Arsenal

Gyökeres has managed two goals in his first three appearances for Arsenal, netting a double in a 5–0 triumph over newly promoted Leeds United. However, questions have been asked over his performances in goalless outings against Manchester United and Liverpool. Now away with Sweden, Gyökeres will hope to build more confidence in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, fronted by new Manchester United signing Benjamin Šeško. Previewing the second meeting between the two strikers this season, Šeško told local media: “[Sweden] have top players, we are all aware of that. But we are also aware of our quality. We are definitely facing a top-level match. Everything will depend on us.”

What comes next for Gyökeres and Arsenal

Arsenal are open to offers appears far-fetched at this stage, according to some observers, but it signals a potential shift in the club’s transfer strategy. If a suitable bid arrives, the Gunners may decide to cut their losses and reinvest in a striker who better fits Arteta’s system. Gyökeres, for his part, remains focused on his international duty and proving his worth. The coming weeks, including the qualifier against Slovenia, could be pivotal in determining whether he can silence the doubts and secure his place in North London.

The bottom line

• Arsenal are reportedly open to selling Viktor Gyökeres one year after his £63.5 million move from Sporting CP.
• Gyökeres has scored 18 goals in 48 games this season, a decent but not elite return.
• Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas praised Gyökeres but mocked his agents for waiving commission.
• Gyökeres went on strike to force his transfer, a move he later defended.
• He has scored two goals in three Arsenal appearances but struggled in goalless draws against Manchester United and Liverpool.
• Sweden face Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, with Gyökeres aiming to build confidence.