The 27-year-old will become one of Arsenal’s most expensive transfers ever if he joins.

Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly set to become one of Arsenal’s top earners after he agreed personal terms on a five-year deal.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, it appears Gyokeres is on the verge of leaving Sporting after it emerged that Arsenal are in advanced talks with the Portuguese club over a big-money deal.

There is a proposed five-year contract on the table, according to The Athletic, who claim Gyokeres has prioritised a switch to the Gunners for some time amid interest from Manchester United.

The arrival of one of Europe’s top-performing strikers would certainly be a statement of intent from Mikel Arteta and those behind the scenes at Arsenal, who have been chasing a new No 9 for weeks.

So, how much will Gyokeres earn if he does join? The 27-year-old is set to take home £200,000-a-week at Arsenal, according to talkSPORT, who claim his pay packet will put him amongst the club’s top earners.

As per Sportrac, only four players will earn more than Gyokeres, with Declan Rice [£240,000], Martin Odegaard [£240,000], Gabriel Jesus [£265,000] and Kai Havertz [£280,000] being the only first-team members to pick up a higher wage.

The Swede will earn more than Bukayo Saka [£195,000], William Saliba [£190,000] and Gabriel Martinelli [£180,000] if the previously mentioned figure is accurate.

Sporting, meanwhile, have told Arsenal they want €70 million [£60.2m] plus €10m [£8.6m] in add-ons for Gyokeres, report The Guardian, after they rejected an approach from the club worth €65 million [£56m] plus €15 million [£12.9m].

Arsenal have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a deal for their dream transfer target

Amid ongoing talks around Gyokeres, reports have emerged that the Gunners are also chasing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – and they have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a deal, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, as per the Mail.

Arsenal want to sign an elite left winger this summer as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title.

And they view Rodrygo, 24, as a ‘perfect fit’ for the role, says transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who claims the Brazilian winger will hold talks with Xabi Alonso about his future once they return from the Club World Cup.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are still unsure if the player is open to leaving the Spanish giants, but Madrid are ‘prepared to sanction’ an exit for around €90 million [£77.3m].

“Rodrygo viewed as the dream left-winger target, but comfortable at right-wing, a position he’s often been deployed at Real,” added Jacobs.

Last month, international teammate Gabriel was asked whether he had any inside information on Rodrygo and his future.

“I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,” he told the Podpah Podcast. ‘But I’d like it, obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images – Arsena

Arsenal FC Breaks Silence on Diogo Jota’s Death — Liverpool Fans Struggle to Hold Back Tears

In a moment that has shaken the football world, Arsenal Football Club has broken its silence on the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota — and their message has left Liverpool fans deeply emotional.

While fierce rivals on the pitch, Arsenal reminded the world that football transcends competition in times of sorrow. In a touching statement posted on their official Facebook page, the North London club offered heartfelt condolences:

“We are all members of the footballing family and on days like today, we support each other.

Rest in peace, Diogo and André. Our thoughts continue to be with your family, loved ones and everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club.”

The message, though brief, carried the weight of unity, grief, and respect — a rare and sobering moment in the world of football. For many Liverpool fans, already broken by the loss of a beloved player, Arsenal’s compassionate words felt like a warm embrace from across enemy lines.

Social media was flooded with reactions. Some fans admitted to crying all over again. Others praised Arsenal for setting aside rivalry to honour a fallen Red. The comment sections turned into a sea of red hearts, candle emojis, and shared pain.

This wasn’t just a message — it was a statement of solidarity. A reminder that behind the chants, goals, and derby-day tensions, there exists a deeper connection. One that binds players, clubs, and fans as members of the same footballing family.

Diogo Jota’s legacy continues to echo far beyond the pitch. And in this moment of grief, even the fiercest rivals have come together in silence, in tears, and in tribute.

Rest in peace, Diogo. You were loved not just by Liverpool, but by the world of football as a whole.

It would be a summer window to remember for Arsenal if they can get both deals over the line.

Arsenal have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a €90 million [£77.3m] deal for their ‘dream’ transfer target, according to reports, as they close in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

Mikel Arteta could have a new-look forward line when the 2025/26 campaign kicks off, with Gyokeres moving closer to becoming their first big-money deal of the summer following months of speculation.

French publication L’Equipe revealed this week that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leading discussions over the transfer of Gyokeres.

In fact, the Sweden international is said to have informed Arsenal that he wants to join them, with his agent Hasan Cetinkaya nearing a verbal agreement.

The arrival of Gyokeres, who has been one of Europe’s top-performing strikers across the last term, scoring 52 goals in all competitions, would certainly be a statement of intent from the Gunners.

Amid ongoing talks for the striker, reports have emerged that the Gunners are also chasing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – and they have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a deal, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, as per the Mail.

Arsenal want to sign an elite left winger this summer as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title.

And they view Rodrygo, 24, as a ‘perfect fit’ for the role, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who says the Brazilian will hold talks with Xabi Alonso about his future once they return from the Club World Cup.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are still unsure if the player is open to leaving the Spanish giants, but Madrid are ‘prepared to sanction’ an exit for around €90 million [£77.3m].

“Rodrygo viewed as the dream left-winger target, but comfortable at right-wing, a position he’s often been deployed at Real,” added Jacobs.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes reacts to Rodrygo links

Last month, international teammate Gabriel was asked whether he had any inside information on Rodrygo and his future.

“I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,” he told the Podpah Podcast. ‘But I’d like it, obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.”

Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, has played down speculation surrounding Rodrygo’s future.

“Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,” he said last month. “Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it, and so do we.”

Latest Arsenal transfer news as the Gunners push for new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium with Rodrygo among those linked.

Arsenal-linked attacker Rodrygo appears to be carrying on as normal with Real Madrid despite speculation mounting over his future. Reports suggest that the Gunners could launch a bid for the 24-year-old winger following speculation that figures in North London are admirers of the Brazilian.

The first window of opportunity to sign players in the transfer market closed at 7pm on Wednesday with the Gunners failing to get any deals across the line during the short period. It will reopen again on Monday (June 16) and it is likely that a host of Premier League clubs will be ready to get their deals for the forthcoming campaign signed off.

A host of names are being mooted with a move to the Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta looking to take Arsenal to the next step following their near misses in previous seasons.

One of them is Rodrygo, who has found himself as one of the names emerging from the rumour mill after finding gametime limited at the La Liga giants.

The 24-year-old faces competition from the likes of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.

Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future, Rodrygo has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Club World Cup, which kicks off against Al-Hilal on June 18.

In a post on Instagram, he wrote: “Feliz [grinning face with smiling eyes, white heart and football emoji].” The message translates to ‘happy’ in English.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rodrygo Goes – RG 💜⚡️🇧🇷 (@rodrygogoes)

Recently, The Athletic reported that Arsenal are particularly interested in signing the Brazilian, with Arteta’s coaching staff said to be ‘huge fans’.

It has been said that tabs are being kept with approaches being made through intermediaries at a number of Premier League clubs.

However, football.london understands a deal would present a ‘financial challenge’.

During the summer, there have been changes at the Bernabeu which will see Xabi Alonso in the dugout as Real Madrid boss for the first time since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.

But The Athletic says Rodrygo’s agent, who is also his father, does not want to enter negotiations before they sit down with the Spaniard.

“I wouldn’t like to name a player, but the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy,” Arteta said previously discussing Rodrygo.

“That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don’t do that, then what is going to happen?

“For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there…”

While this season ended up being an undeniable failure, Arsenal fans shouldn’t forget how brilliant some of their players are.

For example, David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães helped to create the best defence in the Premier League.

Moreover, Declan Rice has gone from strength to strength, and now looks more than at home as the left eight.

And then, despite missing over three months of action, the club’s best player, Bukayo Saka, was able to rack up an incredible haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in just 37 games.

The Hale Ender is undoubtedly the team’s talisman and most dangerous attacker, so fans should be delighted about reports linking Arsenal to another international star who has won comparisons to the Englishman.

https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1912607267121246611?t=605qo_5s4DXEDWIBlj8VTA&s=19

Arsenal’s winger search

Given Arsenal’s significant reliance on Saka to produce from the right this season, it’s not been much of a surprise to seem linked with several talented left-wingers in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Leroy Sané.

The former has a well-known release clause worth around £50m in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao, and while that is a lot of money, he did perform reasonably well this season, chalking up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

Sané, on the other hand, would be a free signing thanks to his contract with Bayern Munich running out this month, although even with his impressive haul of 19 goal involvements this term, the fact he’ll be 30 midway next season makes signing him a less appealing prospect.

Moreover, it’s difficult to imagine him matching Saka’s output from the left next year, which isn’t the case for Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent, Mario Cortegana, Arsenal are one of a few clubs intensely interested in the Brazilian international.

😎⚽️ The Comeback Kid.@RodrygoGoes | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/XKTAmQww3r

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 26, 2023

In fact, he claims that Arteta is “convinced he would have a big role” in the team, although on top of convincing the player, reports from earlier this month claim that the Gunners would have to stump up around £84m to get their man.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Saka.

How Rodrygo compares to Saka

So then, before we take a look at some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it concluded that the Real Madrid star was the tenth most similar attacking midfielder or winger and the third most similar midfielder to the Arsenal star in the competition this season.

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to assists, progressive passes received, shots, crosses into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

However, while a comparison to someone incredibly talented as Saka is undoubtedly encouraging, there are other reasons Arteta and Co should sign Real’s “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by former teammate Luka Modrić.

The most important is that he’d be a reliable source of goals, as, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the former Santos gem has managed to score 32 goals and provide 19 assists in 103 appearances, totalling 7,137 minutes – even though he has spent much of that time out on the right when he’d rather be off the left.

In other words, he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.01 games, or every 139.94, for two years.

Ultimately, he will cost a lot of money, and it might be a difficult transfer to pull off, but due to his brilliant record and the fact he shares some key statistical similarities with Saka, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer.

Arsenal have reportedly held concrete talks with RB Leipzig and striker Benjamin Sesko over a potential summer move to the Emirates Stadium.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta is desperate to land an elite forward this summer and has personally approved the pursuit of the 21-year-old Slovenian striker.

Sesko netted 21 goals for Leipzig last season — fewer than fellow Arsenal targets Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. However, at just 21, Sesko is five years younger than both and is seen as a long-term investment who could grow into a Premier League superstar.

Despite their focus on Sesko, Arsenal have not completely pulled out of the race for Gyokeres, who has also drawn interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Talks are currently underway between Arsenal, RB Leipzig, and Sesko’s camp, with the Gunners making the striker their top priority. This isn’t Arsenal’s first attempt — they showed interest in Sesko last summer and again in January, but failed to secure a striker in either window, a move that eventually cost them as the season progressed.

It’s believed Sesko has an agreement with Leipzig to leave this summer, though the German side are reportedly holding out for a massive £92.5m fee. Arsenal are expected to negotiate closer to £60–70m.

Arteta, along with his backroom staff and club executives, is pushing hard for Sesko’s signing, seeing him as a key part of Arsenal’s future attack.

Since his £20m move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, Sesko has impressed in the Bundesliga and has 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia, with many backing him to become the greatest player in the country’s history.

While Gyokeres and Osimhen outscored him last season — with 54 and 36 goals respectively — Arsenal believe Sesko’s ceiling is higher and more sustainable in the long run.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are no longer in the race for any of the trio, having agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum has signed a new contract with the club, reaffirming her commitment to the Gunners.

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum has signed a new contract with the club, reaffirming her commitment to the Gunners after a standout four-year spell in North London.

The 25-year-old Norwegian international joined Arsenal from Linköping in the summer of 2021 and has since become a key figure in the squad. She has made 150 appearances and scored 40 goals for the club, establishing herself as one of the most consistent performers in the Women’s Super League.

Maanum’s influence has only grown during the 2024–25 season, in which she has registered 13 goals and five assists across 40 appearances. Operating in an advanced midfield role, she has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s campaign and is widely regarded as one of the team’s top performers.

Her impressive form has also been recognised at the international level. Maanum has earned 89 caps for Norway, scoring 21 goals, and remains a central figure for her national side.

Speaking after signing her new deal, Maanum expressed her excitement about continuing her journey in North London. “I love playing for this club, everything about it – the supporters, the community, playing at Emirates Stadium,” she said.

“Seeing how the club has developed over the last few years only makes me more excited to continue my journey here. We’ve had such special moments this season, and getting to share those with our supporters has been amazing. I’m looking forward to continuing celebrating with them and giving everything for this team.”

Clare Wheatley, Arsenal Director of Women’s Football, praised Maanum’s growth since joining the club: “Frida joined us at a young age and has shown great growth and development across her four years with the club. She’s taken the opportunities offered to her here and we’re proud to see her delivering strong performances consistently. Together with our supporters, we’re looking forward to seeing her continued development here at Arsenal.”

Arsenal head Coach Renée Slegers also welcomed the news, saying: “I’m delighted that Frida has signed a new contract here with us. She’s such an important player in the group and has made a big contribution to what we’ve achieved as a team during my time as head coach. I know Frida has the ambition and drive to continue striving for improvement as we aim to compete for the highest honours together.”

Arsenal are reportedly prioritising the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP but his uncle has leaked the family’s private transfer talks in an interview, spelling bad news for the Gunners

Viktor Gyokeres’ uncle believes the striker will stay at Sporting CP this summer despite being strongly linked with a move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old has become one of the most highly-rated forwards in Europe over the past two seasons, having fired in 96 goals in just 101 appearances since joining the Portuguese side.

Arsenal have tracked the Swede ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to solve their problems up front by bringing in a clinical striker. The Gunners’ newly-appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, is reportedly a huge admirer of Gyokeres and will look to persuade Mikel Arteta that he is the right man to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium.

Gyokeres demonstrated his phenomenal goal-scoring prowess when he netted in the 2-0 win over Vitoria at the weekend to seal a second successive Liga Portugal title for Sporting. And speaking during an interview on the same day, Gyokeres’ uncle, Chris, dropped a major bombshell about his nephew’s future.

Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey, he began by saying: “I’m super happy, this is amazing. We were here last year, it’s the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!”

Chris went on to reveal that his family had already discussed Viktor’s transfer plans when asked if he felt they belonged at Sporting, saying: “Yes, very much… yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”

And he offered his thoughts in four words when asked whether Gyokeres will stay at the club this summer, replying: “Yes, we think so.”

He added: “We hope so, because watch this, we love it, it’s amazing, the country, the people and Sporting. And the lions, we love them!”

Gyokeres was more coy than his uncle when fielding a question about what the future holds ahead of Sunday’s Taca de Portugal final against bitter rivals Benfica. He told Portuguese TV channel SIC Noticias: “Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals.”

When pressed further on whether he’d be staying put this summer, the ex-Coventry City and Brighton striker added: “We’ll see. It’s the future. Football is like that, you never know what’s going to happen.

“As we saw this season, you never know what’s going to happen. And it’s the same thing now. We’ll see what the future holds.”

It is unclear if Arsenal and Berta have taken any notice of his uncle’s comments or whether Gyokeres’ own stance has shifted towards staying put following his title-clinching heroics.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo had confidently claimed this week that Gyokeres is all set to join the north London club. The publication ran with a front page headline which translated to: “Swede on his way to Arsenal.”

It went on to say that a £58.9million deal has been struck between the two clubs and all that is left is the agreement of personal terms. However, Arsenal have also been strongly linked to several other forwards, including Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.