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### ✅ **Behind-the-Scenes Progress**

* Even in the absence of a signed deal, **talks have progressed**.

* According to Portuguese publication **Sport Witness**, there is shared confidence from both parties that the transfer will be completed **very soon**, potentially **within 24–48 hours**.

* Discussions are actively ongoing among Arsenal, Gyökeres’ representatives, and the leadership at Sporting.

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## **Why Gyökeres Tops Arteta’s List**

### ⚽ **Player Snapshot**

* Age: 26

* Nationality: Sweden

* Role: Centre Forward

* 2023/24 (Sporting) stats:

* **43 goals + 15 assists** across all tournaments

* Widely regarded as one of Europe’s **most prolific** all-around attackers

### **Tactical Value**

* Offers excellent combination play, smart pressing, and high-level movement

* A natural fit in **Arteta’s fluid 4-3-3 system**, making it possible to:

* Alternate with or replace **Gabriel Jesus**

* Spearhead the front line alongside **Saka**, **Martinelli**, **Odegaard**, or **Rice**

* Bring the kind of forward Arsenal **lacked in high-stakes matches** last season

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## **Main Obstacles**

| Challenge | Current Status |

| ————————— | ———————————— |

| **Release clause (€100m)** | Hasn’t been triggered |

| **Installments vs upfront** | Payment method still being discussed |

| **Wages & player terms** | Mostly settled |

| **Other clubs’ interest** | Currently limited |

Even though there’s been a holdup, **Arsenal remains the clear front-runner**.

—

## **Importance of Pre-Season**

Arteta’s objective is to get Gyökeres:

* **Integrated early** with the squad

* Adjusted to the **Premier League pace**

* Fully prepared for the **Champions League and title push**

Bringing him in **before Arsenal’s next pre-season tour date** is a **priority**, particularly as rival teams close in on their own striker signings (like Manchester United with Ivan Toney or Joshua Zirkzee).

—

## **What If It Doesn’t Happen?**

If negotiations **collapse**, Arsenal could turn attention to:

* **Dusan Vlahović** (Juventus)

* **Brian Brobbey** (Ajax – also monitored by Manchester United)

* **Alexander Isak** (an unlikely option due to Newcastle’s stance)

Still, it’s undeniable: **Gyökeres is Arteta’s clear No. 1 target**.

—

## ✅ **Final Word**

Though the trip to Lisbon didn’t result in an agreement, **negotiations are far from over**. Arsenal is still in **pole position**, and the **next 48 hours will be critical**. Should Sporting ease their demands or Arsenal revise the offer structure, **Viktor Gyökeres will be an Arsenal player very soon.**

A move of this scale would send a **massive statement of intent** heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

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