Arsenal remain keen on securing Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, but the Portuguese club is preparing a pay rise to try and persuade him to stay.
However, the Lions are unlikely to match the wages on offer in the Premier League, where Arsenal could offer a far more lucrative package.
Gyökeres, 26, has been in sensational form again this season, contributing eight goals and five assists in six games for Sporting and Sweden.
According to Record in Portugal, Sporting are quietly managing negotiations to increase Gyökeres’ salary ‘without offering a contract extension or public communication’ on the matter.
Despite his strong performances, Gyökeres has openly expressed his desire to potentially move to a more competitive league in the future, even while reiterating his happiness at Sporting. “I have a lot of fun at Sporting and I can’t complain about anything. We always want to try other leagues and a higher level, of course, but I’m not stressed about it,” Gyökeres said recently.
Arsenal keeping an eye on contract developments
Arsenal have been monitoring Gyökeres for some time, with his performance levels continuing to impress since his move to Sporting from Coventry City.
While the Swedish forward is happy in Portugal, his contract’s €100 million release clause remains a significant obstacle for interested clubs.
Gyökeres himself described the figure as “too much” in an interview before Sweden’s match against Azerbaijan, hinting that only the high clause prevented his departure this summer and that a move could happen as early as January.
Sporting CP are keen to reward their top scorer with a pay rise but are unlikely to match the wages that Premier League sides like Arsenal can offer. As their second-highest earner, Gyökeres reportedly earns €46k-per-week (£39k). Their highest earner is on €75k.
To compare, Arsenal are reportedly paying their on-loan reserve goalkeeper, Neto, £50k-per-week (€60k) while Kai Havertz earns £280k.
The process, that Sporting reportedly wanted to manage with “utmost discretion,” is designed to keep the player happy in the short term, with Sporting eyeing a historic back-to-back league title after 70 years.
Arsenal’s potential bid for Gyökeres
For Arsenal, the situation presents an opportunity.
Gyökeres’ incredible start to the season, combined with his desire to play at a higher level, could see the Gunners test Sporting’s resolve in the next transfer window.
Although the Portuguese side managed to retain him during the summer transfer window, keeping hold of him beyond 2025 will be a challenge, particularly if Arsenal offer a financial package Sporting cannot match.
Gyökeres’ impact at Sporting has been undeniable, having contributed 50 goals and 18 assists across 55 matches. He also has 10 goals in 22 games for Sweden.
His consistency for both club and country has further solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting forwards in Europe.
While Sporting prepares to offer a pay rise, Gyökeres’ desire to eventually test himself in a more competitive league leaves the door open for Arsenal and other clubs.
